Family Vacation
There's nothing better than a family vacation! We want to make sure your family makes memories to last a lifetime while exploring our community. Whether you are here for a day or a weekend, you and the fam are in for a good time! Use these trip ideas to help you plan.
DAYTRIP
The best way to start your trip is with a visit to the Lawrence Visitors Center, where our friendly staff will help you map out your itinerary.
Enjoy browsing the unique shops of Downtown Lawrence. Children of all ages (even the adult-kind) will especially love The Toy Store and Mass Street Soda.
While Downtown, families must try an escape room at Breakout Lawrence. Choose from four themed rooms that you and your family will work together to solve puzzles that will lead to your family's escape.
Sylas and Maddy's Homemade Ice Cream and T&M Crepery are must-stops for sweets Downtown.
Head up to the University of Kansas campus for a lesson in basketball history! The inventor of basketball, James Naismith, was the first coach at the University of Kansas. Jayhawk Experience tours give visitors an insider's look at the place where the game grew up, in addition to other Kansas athletics facilities.
The KU Natural History Museum is another must-see for families on campus. Explore fossils, bugs, mammals, plants, and much more. Ask for the scavenger hunt when you come in to make the visit interactive.
Pet World, Prairie Park Nature Center, and Baker Wetlands Discovery Center are all great places that kids can connect with nature - even hold and feed animals - while learning a thing or two about them.
Several other Lawrence parks include activities for the whole family like skating and disc golf. If your family involves children of the dog variety, the Mutt Run Off-Leash Dog Park is a must-visit!
You've likely built up an appetite after all that exploring! These family-friendly restaurants will take care of that!
MAKE IT A WEEKEND
Spending the whole weekend in Lawrence? Great!
Lawrence has several family-friendly places to stay. The Tru by Hilton was made with families in mind, with plenty of games to play in the lobby, modern amenities, and a breakfast everyone will be happy with. Families love the indoor pool and game room at the DoubleTree. SpringHill Suites offers a family-friendly downtown location complete with views of the river and an indoor salt-water pool. Best Western Plus sits close to Sports Pavilion Lawrence and Rock Chalk Park.
Sports Pavilion Lawrence is a community gym where families can play basketball, soccer, volleyball, and much more. Rock Chalk Park is where the University of Kansas Track & Field, Soccer, Softball, and Tennis teams play. Kaw Valley FC Men's and Women's semi-professional soccer also plays at Rock Chalk Park and has themed fan nights. Check out our events calendar for all upcoming events.
Work some hands-on arts and crafts into your family vacation, and you'll leave with some extra special souvenirs. Create your masterpiece at Sunfire Ceramics, AR Workshop, or Waxman Candles.
Explore even more into Lawrence's artistic side with a visit to the Lawrence Arts Center and the Spencer Museum of Art. They both always have renowned art on exhibit.
Is water a must when on vacation with your family? That's cool with us! No matter what season it is, you'll have the opportunity to get in some laps and ride down the slides at our indoor and outdoor aquatic parks.
Discover the incredible history of the area with a visit to the Watkins Museum of History. Your family can learn even more about the place by taking one of our self-guided tours.
