Museums don’t have to be boring for your kids. Take them to museums that feature a variety of interactive and hands-on activities where they can learn, explore and have fun, too. Bring your family to check out some of the best museums in Kansas.
Exploration Place
Located in downtown Wichita, Exploration Place is an amazing science center that is enjoyed by kids of all ages. The museum features four hands-on, interactive areas including a flight exhibit, a train model display of Kansas, a three-story medieval castle and a tot spot for young children. Exploration Place is located on 20 acres along the Arkansas River in Wichita’s Museums on the River district. You’ll have plenty to do outdoors at Exploration Park too. They have a playground, picnic area, mini-golf course and much more.
Location: 300 N. McLean Blvd., Wichita, Kansas, 67203
Phone: 316-660-0600
Rates: Adults: $10; Kids (ages 3 to 11): $6; Kids ages 2 and under: free. Additional fees for the Boeing Dome Theater and Planetarium shows, mini-golf and other special exhibits.
Website:exploration.org
Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center
Located in Hutchinson, Kansas, the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center features four venues: The Hall of Space Museum, The Justice Planetarium, The Carey IMAX Dome Theatre and Dr. Goddard’s Lab (live demonstration of early rocket technology). The museum is one of only three in the country to feature flown spacecraft from the Apollo, Gemini and Mercury missions. It also houses the most Russian space artifacts outside of Moscow. The Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center is also known for its wonderful summer camp programs and education events for kids.
Location: 1100 N. Plum, Hutchinson, Kansas, 67501
Phone: 620-662-2305
Rates: Adults: $18; Kids (ages 4 to 12) and Seniors: $16; Kids ages 3 and under: free.
Website:cosmo.org
KU Natural History Museum
Nationally recognized for its amazing exhibits and collections, the KU National History Museum is home to one the world’s largest dioramas. The museum’s panorama features scenes from all over the globe from arctic to tropical habitats. Kids love “Bugtown,” which features cool interactive exhibits from a bug’s point of view. You can also check out fossil exhibits, live exhibits (including a working beehive) and much more. The museum is located on the Kansas University, Lawrence campus at Dyche Hall.
Location: 1345 Jayhawk Blvd. Lawrence, Kansas, 66045
Phone: 785-864-4450
Rates: Admission is free.
Website:naturalhistory.ku.edu
Kansas Museum of History
The Kansas Museum of History impresses visitors with its interactive displays, cool collections and exciting exhibits. You can explore a full-size train, sit in a ’50s diner and check out a fully-stocked covered wagon. In addition to everything inside the museum, families can enjoy strolling on the 2.5-mile natural trail on the property.
Location: 6425 SW Sixth Avenue, Topeka, Kansas, 66615
Phone: 785-272-8681
Rates: Adults: $8; Students with ID: $6; Kids age 5 and under: free with family
Website:kshs.org/museum
Museum of World Treasures
This museum is a favorite among Kansas visitors and residents alike. Located in the Historic Old-town District of Wichita, this museum houses an amazing collection of fossils, dinosaurs, Egyptian mummies and more. Kids will enjoy learning about culture and history, and will have fun with puppet shows, craft stations, a play castle and dungeon. From the ancient civilization exhibits to the gem and mineral displays, the air and space exhibits to the pop culture galleries, this museum is filled with so much to do and see. This museum is also a great spot to host birthday parties and other family events.
Location: 835 E. First St., Wichita, Kansas, 67202
Phone: 316-263-1311
Rates: Adults: $9; Seniors: $8; Kids (ages 4 to 12): $7; Kids ages 3 and under: free
Website:worldtreasures.org
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