The Town in Kansas That Comes Alive During the Winter Season

As far as vacations are concerned, many people focus their travels on the warm weather months. Spring and summer mean sunshine, time off from school for the kiddos, and plenty of festivals and events to enjoy. But to neglect traveling in the winter months is a mistake. Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean that your vacations have to end. There are lots of great winter trips in Kansas, and one of our favorites is Garden City, Kansas. If you've ever wondered how big is Garden City, Kansas, well it's actually one of the largest towns in the western part of the state! It's also the county seat of Finney County.

We get it: many of Kansas's most popular attractions are located in the eastern part of the state. Many people don't head towards the west, so even though Garden City is a fairly large city, with a population of approximately 28,000, it gets somewhat ignored as a travel destination.

However, we think a winter visit to Garden City is especially magical. Garden City's weather is relatively mild, considering what it's like in nearby states. The city gets around 21 inches of snow a year, which is less than the national average, so you're not likely to be trapped in a blizzard. And, of course, if you visit during the holiday season, you'll find Christmas lights and a parade, plus plenty of holiday cheer.

But there's plenty to do after the holidays, too. There aren't too many indoor water parks in Kansas. In fact, Garden City's Parrot Cove Indoor Water Park is the only one between Denver and Kansas City! You'll find 36,000 square feet of year-round fun here, with slides, pools, and plenty more to entertain the whole family.

Another great winter attraction in Garden City is the Lee Richardson Zoo. This AZA-accredited zoo is home to more than 100 species of animals. Many of the animals tend to be more active when there's a bit of a chill in the air, making winter a great time to visit.

And when you need a drink, a Garden City favorite is Hidden Trail Brewing. This is one of our favorite family-friendly breweries in Kansas. There are arcade games and board games here, plus it's dog-friendly.

Even during the chillier months of the year, we recommend you consider Garden City, Kansas. To even further help with planning your trip, consider Viator, a company that gives travel inspiration and makes booking experiences a breeze!

If you've been to Garden City, what was your favorite attraction? What do you love to do in this Kansas town? Let me know! I'd love to hear from you.