We know that Kansans like to have things planned out, whether that's how long a drive will take or when they're going to be in the neighborhood of a certain antique store next. The best day trips in Kansas will keep you plenty busy and entertained all year; now we just need to plan them out! Get out those bucket lists, because we've got work to do and places to see. You'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Kansas, as well as some wonderful small towns, and loads of fun. Let's go!

1. January - Ice Skating at Chicken N Pickle

Whether it's January already or nearing the end, it's probably plenty cold outside for ice skating or a pickup game of hockey. Chicken N Pickle is always a blast, but the ice skating it offers during the winter is EXTRA awesome. This is one of the best day trips from Kansas City!

2. February - Prehistoric Kansas Road Trip

As long as the ice doesn't hold you back, traveling across the state can bring great wonder to you, especially when you're learning about the first creatures that roamed the area Kansas was back when a sea covered most of our state. We're pretty sure the natural history of Kansas doesn't get more fun and fascinating than this! This is one of the most fascinating "day trips for kids near me."

3. March - Kansas's Largest Antique Mall

Antique malls are always a great way to pass the time and the largest one in Kansas, the Paramount Antique Mall, is the best at doing just that. It also has two other locations, just in case you're the quickest antique browser in the West.

4. April - A Thrifting Trip To Remember

If hanging around for a day in a thrift shop isn't your ideal traveling plan, you'll want to check out this road trip - and the one before it - for all the finds you'll need this spring. That's what spring cleaning is for, right? Do this awesome thrift store road trip and see what treasures you can find.

5. May - A Trip To Monument Rocks

Western Kansas doesn't really have a lot of forested areas or large rolling hills, but what we do have is Niobrara chalk badlands in the form of Monument Rocks. They're a lot taller than they look!

6. June - The Gorgeous Konza Prairie

We love our Flint Hills and endless skies, but the Konza Prairie area just has a little extra something to it. It is easily Kansas at its most beautiful, and we are thrilled that it's our own.

7. July - History museums across Kansas

Our history is important to us, and these beautiful museums are a great place to travel to when you're feeling like you want to connect to your state. Do this Kansas history road trip and learn everything there is to know about the Sunflower State.

8. August - The Shorebird Migration

Almost half of all of America's migrating shorebirds come through Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira NWR so we get a little excited when they start to fill the skies around our wetlands. Peak season starts in August, and the annual shorebird migration in Kansas is something you won't forget seeing.

9. September - Fall foliage at Fall River

Fall River, much like its name, is a state park you really should see when the leaves start to turn. Red, yellow, and orange trees reflected in the water on a cool fall day are a beautiful sight worth seeing.

10. October - Above and Below Kansas

Adventure at the Cosmosphere will take you through the stars and into the world of rocket science, but you can also head deep below ground into the local salt mine to see the opposite of the stars above.

11. November - BBQ Heaven Road Trip

Kansas is big into barbecue, and we think these spots are still savory safe houses for some of the best meats around the state. Why not take a trip to try them all? Learn more about the best barbecue in Kansas on this epic delicious adventure! This is the most delicious of all the Kansas day trips you could take.

12. December - Christmas City of the High Plains: Wakeeney

The Christmas City of Wakeeney is really beautiful all year round, but as soon as these lights are lit for the year, you'll want to make this a destination you visit this Christmas season for that special feeling.

Are you ready to embark on any of these day trips in Kansas this year? Which one are you most excited about? Let us know! If you're driving far, make sure to check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List to see what you need for a road trip.

If you're more about food than you are about road trips in general, we urge you to try out some of these Kansas restaurants you should visit. Truly - you won't want to miss 'em!