Copy of Kansas History Museum

Your kids have colored the meadowlark picture. They know our state motto by heart. But do they really understand what makes our state amazing? If you’re raising proud young Jayhawkers, the Capital City is the perfect place to learn what makes our state special. In fact, make it a party! Mark you calendars for Kansas Day, January 29, and invite the kids to come along on these Capital City adventures. And it’s okay to sneak a little education into this celebration - you’ll be having so much fun they’ll never even guess!

Experience the legislative process first hand

If your Jayhawker is a middle or high school student, she can assist a sponsoring legislator with daily errands and tasks while watching the Kansas government in action. Serving as a page in the beautifully refurbished House or Senate chambers, she’ll spend the day observing debate on local issues - or chatting with state lawmakers. Top off the occasion by taking the 1923 cage elevator down to the second floor for pictures with the governor.

Contact your county election commission office or county clerk for a list of your legislators, fill out a simple application, and get ready to see Kansas government at work!

Hands-on History

The Kansas Museum of History offers a whole list of activities and programs just for kids, featuring free admission on Kansas Day. Travel back in time to experience the lives of early Kansans. Learn how to weave and spin wool like our ancestors did for protection against cold winters on the prairie. Catch the performances of Native American dancers and musicians, or learn the technology behind traditional log cabins. Take advantage of Kansas Day access to the special exhibit, “105 Counties, 105 Stories” featuring a single story from each of Kansas’ counties. And don’t forget the gift shop for unique local treasures!

View TopCity from the Top

The Kansas State Capitol Building is full of wow factors, but for daring young explorers, none are more spectacular than the panoramic view of Topeka from the top of the outer dome. Wear comfortable shoes to scale the 296 breath-taking steps from the fifth floor to the top of the cupola. Wonder at the 256 glass panels that make up the dome’s inner architecture. To put things into kid context, let your explorers know if we were to turn the copper on the dome into pennies, we could make a whopping 2,350,746! Free tours of the are available for families and kids ages four and older at 9:15, 10:15, and 11:15 a.m., 12:15, 1:15, 2:15, and 3:15 p.m. While reservations are encouraged, they aren’t required.

Take History Beyond the Book

Those quiet, hardworking heroes make our state great - but they don’t always make the textbooks. Give your kids a lesson through a different lens by visiting the Great Mural Wall of Topeka. Located in the Chesney Park Neighborhood, this vibrant, visual community collaboration celebrates Kansans who contributed kindness, shared their talents, or fought for justice. Linger by the panel that examines Kansas’ historical role in the struggle against school segregation. Or learn the stories behind the name “Topeka.” Visitors follow a walking path through the series of ten panels lined with interpretative signs.

Create a Kansas Keepsake

At Prairie Glass Studio, Kymm Ledbetter and her enthusiastic team capture the spirit of the Kansas prairie with signature Kansas sunflower-themed fused glass art. Browse their Kansas-inspired creations, or sign up for a class to make Kansas Day mementos of your own. Classes can be arranged by appointment for any beginning glass artists ages six and up.