9 Winter Attractions For The Family In Kansas That Don’t Involve Long Lines At The Mall

It's getting cold outside, and even if there are warmer days sprinkled in between, plenty of places we go in the winter are plagued with long lines. These winter attractions are the perfect pick when you want some family time without the lines. Avoid the mall and pick a road trip instead! The memories are worth every mile.

1. Lucas, Kansas

There's nothing cooler than an entire town full of art everywhere you look. It's not just any art, either, it's eclectic and odd, and perfect for the whole family. Enjoy visiting the concrete jungle named Garden of Eden or Toilet Bowl Plaza, the giant toilet-shaped public restroom. Everywhere you turn, there's more to see!

2. Moon Marble Company

Not only is this an amazing place to get marbles of all colors and sizes, but you can also find vintage toys or watch marbles being made live during your visit.

3. Oz Museum

This crazy green museum in Wamego covers everything Oz, from plays and musicals, to the novel series and movie we know and love. Stop by sometime, maybe you'll learn something new about this Kansas movie.

4. Museum of World Treasures

This might seem like a regular museum to you, but when is the last time you've explored one that you've never seen before? They've got everything from prehistory to modern day, and you'd be surprised how much people of any age can enjoy learning about all these cultures and time periods.

5. Strataca (Kansas Underground Salt Museum)

Journey deep below our state into the salt mines, where you can see vintage mining equipment, giant blocks of salt, and take a mini-train through parts of the mine. Of course, some of the mine is still in use, but the museum is by far the coolest part.

6. Sternberg Museum of Natural History

We love museums that are more than just a walk through a building, and Sternberg is definitely that. They have numerous displays of all sorts of animals, including some that the founders themselves excavated. They also have interactive areas of the museum where you can see just how nature works in it's own unique ways. Everywhere you turn, a new adventure awaits!

7. The Keeper of the Plains

Surrounded by nighttime bonfires, Native American history and culture, and the beautiful riverside area of Wichita, you'll find this giant statue perfect to visit. Hang out at the nearby park if you bring the kids, and enjoy exploring the Native inspired art at every turn.

8. World's Largest Ball of Sisal Twine

This ball isn't locked up or kept hidden, because we're still adding onto it all the time! If you're lucky enough to visit during one of those times, you'll get to add some on yourself.

9. Rock City Park

This area the size of about 2 football fields holds the largest group of sandstone concretions that we've ever heard of. These giant spherical rocks were left behind when softer rock washed away over the years, and now we have a giant playground of immovable stones to climb on and take photos with. Some of them are the size of your car!

If you want to visit all of these places, check out this link to go open the map pictured below! Make sure to take plenty of photos to show everyone in our Kansas Nature Lovers Facebook group as well.

Of course, traveling in the winter makes you crave warm food, and these 11 restaurants are the perfect place to grab a delicious bowl of hot soup. You should try them sometime!