The best parks & outdoor spots in Shawnee County

From early-morning casts to sunset putts, Lake Shawnee is an easy this-week reset with boating, fishing, golf, and miles of trail time, plus Ted Ensley Gardens when you want pure zen. Grab a shelter, rally sand volleyball or tennis, then call it a win with an Adventure Cove cooldown.

From the Topeka newsletter, September 30, 2026

In 2023, Washburn Park added a new swingset, a whimsical Christmas tree spinner-climber, a fresh basketball goal, and sport courts to burn off energy. Grab the kids, pack a picnic for the big covered shelter, then spread out on the green space for low-key Topeka afternoon bragging rights.

From the Topeka newsletter, October 8, 2026

9 miles of nature trails that pass the old Dornwood Dairy Farm ruins, plus a playground, a spray park, and space for baseball or softball when you want to swing a bat or let the kids burn off energy.

From the Topeka newsletter, October 21, 2026

If your weekend to-do list includes wrangling lawns, feeding critters, or fixing that one thing you’ve ignored since spring, Tarwater Farm & Home Supply has you covered with agriculture essentials, outdoor power equipment, mowers, and the parts and know-how to keep everything humming.

From the Topeka newsletter, October 26, 2026

When you need low-effort, high-joy time outside, Gage Park delivers with the Mini-Train, the Reinisch Rose Garden, a 2-mile fitness loop, plus the Topeka Zoo and Kansas Children's Discovery Center right there, so everyone finds their thing while you pretend this counts as cardio.

From the Topeka newsletter, October 13, 2026