The holidays in Kansas are mostly dominated by family time and shopping, though we love to make time for Christmas-themed events and attractions all over the state. This Christmas parade in Lawrence has been operating for years, bringing an old-fashioned spirit to your holiday celebrations. Make it a new part of your holiday plans every year for a truly heartwarming tradition that'll keep on giving for years to come.
Does this adorable holiday horse hair make you long for cold days and warm cocoa? It should!
Do you hear sleigh bells? Do you hear hoof beats? Follow them, and you'll find the amazing Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade in Lawrence, Kansas. It's been going for 25 years, and will continue to trot on for years to come. This year, it's on Saturday, December 2nd at 11 am.
But wait! Everyone is dressed to the nines, and their horses are garnished with garland and bells. This parade is a local tradition, and one of the most unique parades in the U.S.
All sorts of horse-and-rider combinations make the trip down the street to show off their decorations and delight the children. We've heard they also have a few mules and miniature ponies, as well.
The parade also features Santa and Mrs. Claus, two Christmas favorites to delight the kids and give parents that warm, nostalgic feeling. Come celebrate in Lawrence!
You'll find the street here, right at the heart of scenic Lawrence, Kansas. Make sure you get there early enough for good seats!
Autumn rolls around and there are so many fun things to explore and fun activities for the whole family. Isn't fall in Kansas such a magical time? There are so many great fall festivals in Kansas, and 2024 is also bringing some pretty amazing pumpkin patches. Whether you're planning on going out with friends, your significant other, or with the kids in tow, there's something so nostalgic and childlike about visiting a pumpkin patch. It's one of my favorite things to do in the fall, and while I'm personally not too skilled at carving jack-o'-lanterns, even the plain pumpkins make for great fall decoration item. If you find yourself searching for "pumpkin patches near me," we've got a few of the best pumpkin patches in Kansas that you'll definitely want to check out this year. They are definitely among the best things to do in Kansas City, the surrounding area, and further afield in the Sunflower State!
Walters' Pumpkin Patch is one of the best pumpkin patches near Wichita, KS. The farm has so much to offer the whole family, with a monster hunt corn maze, duck races, giant dominoes, and even photo ops in front of the sunflowers. There's tons of food available for purchase on-site. The farm typically opens up for the fall beginning in September. You can get more information from the Walters' Farm website or Walters' Pumpkin Patch Facebook page.
Looking for a great pumpkin patch near Topeka? Gary's Farm has two seasons of fun each year, with a fun fall festival and tons of winter activities, too. Gary's Fall Festival offers up a pumpkin patch, corn maze, and fall foods like pumpkin donuts and cider slushes. Gary's Fall Festival's 30+ attractions open up for the season typically at the end of September 29 and run weekends through the end of October. Visit the Gary's Farm website to purchase tickets. You can also get more information from the Gary's Berries Fall Festival Facebook page.
Kerby Farm Pumpkin Patch is one of the most popular pumpkin patches near Kansas City, and it's easy to see why. There's a corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayride, kiddie zip line, farm animals, and more. It's so much fun for the whole family. The farm is typically open weekends beginning the end of September and running through the end of October. Get more information from the Kerby Farm Pumpkin Patch website or Kerby Farm Pumpkin Patch Facebook page.
KC Pumpkin Patch is a great pumpkin patch near Lawrence. This farm has 40 acres of family fun, with more than 60 attractions that are fun for all ages. From human foosball to a tire pyramid, there's so much to do here. There are even delicious wine slushies available for the adults in your group. Plan out your visit on the KC Pumpkin Patch website or KC Pumpkin Patch Facebook page. The festival is typically open from the end of September, running weekends through the end of October.
Cedar Creek Farm and Pumpkin Patch is a family-owned farm in Maize, which is a suburb of Wichita, with a pumpkin patch full of a variety of types. In addition to multi-colored (and multi-sized) pumpkins, you'll find a petting zoo and other attractions that the family can enjoy. The farm is typically open every day but Monday beginning at the end of September. Learn more on the Cedar Creek Farm website or Cedar Creek Farm & Pumpkin Patch Facebook page.
Little Munchkins Pumpkin Patch has great fall family fun in Alma, a small town in Kansas. If you're just interested in coming to pick pumpkins, you don't have to pay the admission fee, but there are plenty of great activities on hand if you want to indulge. There's a corn maze, paintball shooting gallery, slide, straw pit, kids' zip line, and more. Opening day is typically in September. Check out the Little Munchkins Pumpkin Patch LLC Facebook page for pricing and more information.
If you were to do a search for "pumpkin patches near me," one of these spots would most certainly appear near the top of the list!
Don't these look like so much fun?! Do you have any favorite pumpkin patches near Kansas City? What are some of your favorite things to do in Kansas in the fall? Share your favorites in the comments!
When summer in Kansas rolls around, one question immediately comes to mind for many Sunflower State residents: "where can I watch fireworks near me?" Though we don't have a lot of huge population centers here and are primarily made up of small towns, there are a surprising number of amazing firework shows in Kansas held around the Fourth of July holiday. If you're looking for the best 2024 fireworks shows in Kansas, here are a few that we're most looking forward to:
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1. Star Spangled Spectacular: Overland Park
The Star Spangled Spectacular features some of the best fireworks near Kansas City. This year's event takes place at Corporate Woods Founders’ Park on July 4, 2024 and features an evening full of fun. The event starts at 5:00 pm with food trucks and concerts, and the fireworks display will begin around 10:05 pm.
2. Summerfest: Lawrence
Summerfest is always a blast - it's one of the best summer festivals in Lawrence, KS. This year's Summerfest takes place July 3, 2024 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. The fun starts at 3:00 pm, with food trucks, live music, and a light-up drone show instead of traditional fireworks.
The Spirit of Kansas Blues Festival occurs each year at Reynolds Lodge, overlooking Lake Shawnee. The festival features plenty of live blues music from nationally renowned artists, plus a classic car show, food trucks, and arts and crafts vendors. Opening ceremonies begin at 11:00 am on July 4, 2024, and the music will be ongoing throughout the evening. The festival ends with a "bang" as the fireworks go off. Admission is free, and donations are encouraged so that the Topeka Blues Society can continue to hold this great event for the public.
There's always a lot to do in Wichita, and you'll find plenty of great 4th of July activities there the week of the holiday. July 4, 2024 is the final night of the Thursday Summer Concert Series at Bradley Fair, and you'll get to enjoy music from the funk horn band Daydream. Bring a blanket an lawn chairs and catch the show, then see the gorgeous fireworks at around 9:30 pm.
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That's not the only fireworks show in Wichita that night, though. Red, White & BOOM! takes place at Riverfront Stadium. The event is free and begins at 6:00 pm, with the fireworks starting around 9:40pm. Food trucks and entertainment will be available.
5. Wild West Festival: Hays
This year's Wild West Festival takes place from July 3-6, 2024 in Municipal Park and it's going to be a blast. Purchasing advance concert tickets online at the Wild West Festival website will give you the best deal. The event features national music acts like Nate Smith and Quiet Riot, carnival rides, a fishing tournament, and there's also a free Main Street parade on July 6 at 10:00 am. The fireworks will take place the evening of July 4.
Freedom Fest is scheduled from July 3-7, 2024 in Junction City. This year's event features a carnival, live music, helicopter rides, a marathon, a parade, and outdoor worship sessions. Different activities are scheduled each day, but the night of July 4 will end with a fireworks show at 10:00 pm. Everything takes place in Heritage Park.
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7. Old Fashioned Fourth of July: Dodge City
No time period is as iconic in Kansas history as the Wild West, and it's celebrated daily in Dodge City. The Old Fashioned Fourth of July takes place at the Boot Hill Museum on July 4, 2024, and you'll enjoy live entertainment and all kinds of fun, ending with a spectacular fireworks display at 10:00 pm. Keep an eye on the Boot Hill Museum website for more details as they are announced.
Remember: it's much safer (and more fun) to go see one of these professional fireworks show in Kansas than it is to explode your own fireworks. Accidents involving fireworks injure more than 10,000 people each year: don't become a statistic!
While these fireworks shows in Kansas take place after sundown, many people start their celebrating earlier in the day with outside activities like barbecuing and swimming. Make sure you're protected from the sun's harmful rays with sunscreen. I love Sun Bum from REI: it's safe for sensitive skin and not tested on animals.
