Explore Lawrence, Kansas, and many great family-fun activities your kids will love!
Day Trip Diary:
Prairie Park Nature Center:
Details: 2730 Harper St. Lawrence, KS 785.832.7980. Why I recommend it: This nature center features MANY fantastic animal exhibits, from reptiles (iguanas, alligators, snakes and more!), to amphibians (several species of frogs and toads), to birds (including native birds of prey) and mammals. The hands-on center for preschoolers features nature puppets, puzzles, and hands-on activities. The park includes grassland, forest, and lake with trails for walking and exploring.
KU Natural History Museum: Details: Dyche Hall 1345 Jayhawk Blvd. Lawrence, KS 785.864.4450 www.Nhm.Ku.edu
Why I recommend it: The four-floor museum is filled with fascinating exhibits and artifacts. Children love the enormous panorama of animals and plants. One of the highlights of the museum is Bug Town, an interactive area where kids explore what it is like to be an insect. The kids love the fish aquariums, snake cages, and animals, but one of the most famous features of the museum is the extensive collection of fossils, including the Mosasaur, the largest known lizard to have lived.
Massachusetts Street:
Details: Massachusetts (Mass Street) in Downtown Lawrence is a bustling shopping district with unique restaurants and stores. Why I recommend it: Historic Massachusetts Street features unique shops, galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. Family highlights include The Toy Store, specializing in educational toys (936 Massachusetts Street), The Raven Bookstore, specializing in mysteries (8 E 7th St), Syla's and Maddy's Homemade Ice Cream (1014 Massachusetts).
Family Friendly Dining in Lawrence:
Lawrence boasts many eclectic restaurants, check out this great Lawrence Dining Guide to find the favorites for your family.
More MoKan Day Trips & Vacations!
- Missouri
- 20-30 Min. East: Independence: Log Cabins & Trails West
- 45 Min. Northeast: Sibley: Lewis & Clark Country
- 45-60 Min. North: Weston: Autumn Splendor
- 1 Hour North: St. Joseph: Wild West in our Backyard
- 1 Hour Northeast: Lexington: Civil War in Missouri
- 1-2 Hours North: Jamesport: Amish Country
- 2- 3 Hours South: Carthage: Classic Rt. 66 Road Trip
- 2 1/2 - 3 Hours Southeast: Springfield: Ozark Country
- 4-5 Hours South: Branson: Vacation Capital of the Midwest
- 4-5 Hours East: St. Louis: Gateway to the West Kansas
- 20-30 Min. West: Bonner Springs: Be a Kid for a Day
- 30-45 Min. South: Louisburg: Apples, Autumn, and Astronomy
- 45-60 Min. Northwest: Atchison: History & Mystery
- 60-90 Min. West: Topeka: More than a Capital City
- 60-90 Min. South: Fort Scott: National Historic Site
- 3 1/2-4 Hours Southwest: Hutchinson: Soar to Outer Space