Looking for the perfect place to take the kids during the summer months can be a struggle. Do you head to one of the many epic water parks in Kansas? What about our phenomenal state parks, or one of our lakes? There's so much to do that it's almost overwhelming. The spot we're featuring today is yet another summer park in Kansas that belongs on your family's bucket list: Soden's Grove in Emporia, KS. This park has so much to enjoy for kids and adults alike, with a zoo, fun climbable train, beautiful gardens, and shaded picnic areas. We can't think of a better time to head out than summer. Check it out:

Soden's Grove Park encompasses 30 acres right on the bank of the Cottonwood River. The park was named for William T. Soden, an area businessman who owned a mill and furniture factory in Emporia.

This is a beautiful park, especially in the summer months. There's so much greenery, and enough trees that it is plenty shaded.

You'll find a lot to enjoy here. In addition to walking areas and shaded picnic shelters, the park has a baseball diamond.

This is one of the best free zoos in Kansas, and you'll find an array of wildlife species here.

From peacocks to endangered ring-tailed lemurs, you'll find plenty of critters here.

This is one of the smallest AZA-accredited zoos in the country.

The zoo is home to a small train that you might see choo-chooing about on summer evenings.

Between the zoo and the park, this is such a wonderful spot for a summer family day trip in Kansas!

For more information about this wonderful park in Emporia, KS, check out the Emporia, KS website.

Summertime is a great season to be outdoors, but remember that the sun's rays can be harmful! Make sure to always apply a high-quality sunscreen before spending time outside.