Family vacations in Kansas can be rewarding experiences or absolute disasters -- it all depends on pretrip homework. To make planning easier, we've done all the preparation. As part of a Huffington Post Travel series on traveling with children, here are recommended attractions for those planning Kansas family vacations.
Sedgwick County Zoo
Address: 5555 W. Zoo Blvd., Wichita, KS 67212-1643Phone: 316-660-9453 Hours: Summer hours beginning March 1, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; winter hours beginning Nov. 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Price: Adults 12 to 61, $12; children 3 to 11, $7.50; children 2 and under, free
Exploration Place
Address: 300 N. McLean Blvd., Wichita, KS 67203-5901Phone: 316-660-0600 Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.Price: Adults, $9.50; seniors (65 plus), $8; children 4 to 11, $6; children under 4, free
Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center
Address: 1100 N. Plum St., Hutchinson, KS 67501Phone: 620-662-2305Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 7 p.m.Price: Adults, $12; seniors (60 plus), $10; children 4 to 12, $10; children 3 and under, free
Dodge City
When visiting Kansas, there are not many places more iconic than Dodge City. The site of some of the most legendary events in the Wild West, the city retains its classic feel with store fronts that look like they came straight out of a Western movie. Also in town are Boot Hill Museum, the Coronado Cross and the Dodge City Trail of Fame. Make sure to plan a visit in the last week of July for the Dodge City Days Western Celebration, which includes concerts, a rodeo, carnival and parades.
Address: Dodge City, KS 67801Phone: 620-225-8186Hours: N/APrice: Visiting the town is free
Museum of World Treasures
The Museum of World Treasures houses a variety of exhibits, from ancient Egyptian mummies to pop culture paraphernalia -- props from "The Wizard of Oz" and sports memorabilia from athletes like Babe Ruth and Muhammad Ali. The three-floor museum even has a wing devoted to dinosaurs and other fossils.
Address: 835 E. First St. in Old Town, Wichita, KS 67202-2700Phone: 316-263-1311 Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.Price: Adults, $8.95; children 4 to 12, $6.95; children 3 and under, free
Snow Creek Ski Area
While technically located in Missouri, the Snow Creek Ski Area sits on the state line with Kansas, and has the best skiing in the region. Its slopes include eight intermediate trails, one trail for beginners, and a beginner learning area. There are also two triple chair lifts, a double chair lift and three rope tows to get you to the top of the mountain.
Address: 1 Snow Creek Dr., Weston, MO 64098-9067Phone: 816-640-2200Hours: Sunday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Monday through Thursday, noon to 9 p.m.; Friday, noon to 2 a.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.Price: Prices for adults vary depending on time of day and day of week; children 6 and under and seniors (70 plus), free
Dwight D. Eisenhower Library & Museum
The Dwight D. Eisenhower Library and Museum is a regional point of interest for World War II buffs and other fans of historical sites. Information about President Eisenhower’s family history, a large library and many other exhibits -- from his military career and administration -- are on display. Eisenhower and his wife are buried on the library grounds.
Address: 200 S.E. Foutth St., Abilene, KS 67410Phone: 785-263-6700 Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.; closed on Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Year's Day.Price: Adults, $8; children 8 to 15, $1; children 7 and under, free
Have you been to Kansas? What are your favorite attractions?
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