Family events in Topeka, KS

Jump into an interactive dinosaur-themed maze adventure at the library’s Alice C. Sabatini Gallery. As you move through fun stations, you’ll learn dinosaur facts, take on the role of a junior paleontologist, and look for evidence that dinosaurs are part of Earth’s story. There’s also a focus on how dinosaurs survived so successfully and an activity that points you toward a surprising discovery.

Food Truck Night at HHHS marks the start of its sixth year with a laid back evening of music, great food, and pet friendly services. Live local bands will perform, including a set by High Five. Look for late adoption hours and on site microchipping, alongside a full lineup of trucks such as Poppin Squeeze, Poppin Minis, Unique Treats, DJs Diner and Food Truck, Triple Aces BBQ, El Zocalo, Stumpy’s, La Creperie, and Peaches. The event is family friendly and supports local businesses while helping the animals in HHHS care, with a portion of every food truck purchase donated to HHHS. Bring a lawn chair if you would like to relax, and use the parking area on the west side of the building. If bringing a dog, keep it leashed.

Celebrate the Tall Corn Festival 2026 at Rossville Community Library in Rossville, Kansas. The page lists the festival date as August 8, 2026.

At the Downtown Farmers Market of Manhattan, kids ages 4 to 12 can take part in a summer series held across 12 Saturdays. Participants earn tokens they can use to buy fresh fruits and vegetables from market vendors, and a different activity each week helps them discover the Power of Produce. Registration is available at the on-site booth, and advance sign up can also be completed online.

Set out on a guided hike that highlights nearby trails and parks. Along the way, a guide will share insights about each place, touching on its history, significance, environment, and natural beauty. Registration is requested to help track attendance. Come prepared for outdoor paths with comfortable shoes and plenty of water.

Head to the Watkins Museum to look for SemiQuinn the Bison, the official mascot of the Kansas 250 Commission. Find SemiQuinn in the galleries to win a prize, then post a photo on Instagram and tag @SemiQuinntheBison. Celebrate America’s 250th birthday while exploring the museum.

This night race rolls out with a sign-in period, followed by structured practice for Red Rookies and then Blue Rookies. A meeting for handlers takes place next, and racing gets underway after that.

Settle in with a lawn chair, lace up your dancing shoes, and get ready for a lively evening that blends live blues rock with art and community. Presented by Matryoshka Tattoo, this all-ages show spotlights Polly O’Keary with a high-energy trio known for soulful vocals, nimble bass grooves, and head-turning guitar. The group has toured nationally more than ten times, released four acclaimed albums, earned nominations for Independent Blues Music awards in Band, Album, and Song of the Year, and was named Blues Band of the Year by LA Music Critic. Their songs have reached number one on contemporary blues radio, their albums have climbed to number four on the charts, they have appeared on the Living Blues charts, and the musicians have earned 26 honors from regional blues societies across categories including songwriting, guitar, drums, vocals, and bass. Expect tight chemistry, catchy writing with plenty of drive, and a set built to make you move.

A free Back to School Open House at Topeka Elite Cheer offers families a chance to explore the gym and its programs. Guests can meet coaches and staff, tour the facility, watch athlete demonstrations, enjoy games and activities with giveaways and prizes, and take photos while learning about options for every age and skill level. Programs include preschool tumbling and tiny cheer, recreational tumbling, cheer classes, jumps and flexibility, handspring and tuck classes, stunting, intro to all-star cheer, all-star cheer, the new all-star dance, and TEC Fit classes for kids and adults. Exclusive enrollment specials are available only during the event. Admission is free, with an RSVP requested.

At Doughboyz, kids can perform music, jokes, dancing, tricks, and other talents in front of an encouraging crowd. The focus is on creativity and confidence, giving children a chance to showcase what they can do and build self esteem. If the weather is poor, the event moves indoors. Arriving early can help with seating.

Step into a dinosaur-themed adventure in a maze designed for families, where each turn reveals how these prehistoric creatures lived. Use your dinosaur knowledge to navigate the route, and tackle active stations such as a climbing wall and a zip line. Learn how paleontologists investigate the past, then try it yourself. Kids can uncover dinosaur bones in a gallery dig site and design their own dinosaurs. This hands-on art exhibit for children is supported in part by The Library Foundation with contributions from the Sabatini Family Foundation, and it was created by Minotaur Mazes, which specializes in interactive educational maze exhibits.

Bonkers features family-friendly specials that combine play and pizza. Children can explore the Play Maze for $5, and pizza lovers can enjoy a buy one, get one offer. It is an easy way to pair active fun with an affordable bite in a single stop.

This open recruitment event centers on youth leadership supported by adult mentors. Adults lead leadership training grounded in Scouting America, and Scouts in leadership positions learn to create plans for small groups so they can guide and prepare the next person to lead.

Caregivers and their little ones, ages 0 to 18 months, can take part in a 45-minute guided class centered on connection, community, and coffee. The session blends gentle stretching for adults and babies, lively music and movement, and sensory play matched to each child’s stage of development. Guided discussion prompts give grownups time to share and learn from one another, and the gathering wraps up with engaging touches like simple games, puppets, or a short story. This program is designed specifically for babies under 18 months and their caregivers, and older siblings do not participate. It offers a warm, relaxed setting where early learning and bonding thrive, coffee in hand.

Join in for Community Storytime at the NOTO Redbud Pavilion. There will be stories, songs, and fun activities designed to build early literacy skills. This program is geared toward kids ages 3 to 5.

Find a new construction challenge at the Kansas Children's Discovery Center as Discovery Center educator Laboratory Lainey guides a hands-on building activity that nurtures creativity and problem solving. Regular admission applies: $11 for adults and children, $10 for seniors 65 and older, and free for infants under 12 months and Discovery Center members. Admission also includes access to over 30,000 square feet of indoor exhibits and the 4.5 acre certified Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom.

Enjoy a family-friendly night at Cosmos Pizza with a $30 package that covers a large 16 inch pie cut into eight slices with one protein topping and as many fresh veggies as you like, two small salad bar servings, and up to four small build-your-own sundaes or cones. Children's drinks are $1.50 and include one free refill for guests 10 and under. There is also a dinner deal on Tuesdays for $11 that features an individual pizza with one protein and as many fresh veggies as you like, a small salad bar, and a small sundae.

Chick-fil-A Manhattan presents Story Time paired with a craft activity.

Give your week a boost at Bonkers with games at half the usual price, making it easier to collect extra tickets and prizes. A simple arcade pick me up that stretches your play and adds a little midweek fun.

Presented by Morris Laing Law Firm, this downtown Topeka gathering features live music, a selection of local food trucks, splash pad fun for families, and casual lawn games. It offers a relaxed way to step outside, enjoy the open air, and savor a break in the heart of the city.

Wacky Wednesday features $2 admission, $2 skate rental, and $2 Skate Mate rentals, with speed skates and inlines excluded from the rental offer. Concessions are also $2 each, including a hotdog, a slice of pizza, a 16oz soda, and popcorn. A glowing binky is available for $2 as well.

Astronomy Associates of Lawrence and the KU Field Station host a Perseid meteor shower watch at the KU Field Station. In addition to meteor viewing, the night features telescope views of other sights in the summer sky.

Step into an interactive dinosaur adventure at the library’s Alice C. Sabatini Gallery. Move through a fun maze of activities while learning dinosaur facts and discovering evidence as you play the role of a junior paleontologist. There’s also a chance to explore why dinosaurs were such successful survivors in Earth’s history, plus a “shocking discovery” to uncover along the way.

Add funds to your game card and stretch your playtime with a spend-matching offer from Bonkers. Put $25 to $75 toward gameplay and Bonkers will contribute the same amount, matching your purchase up to $75. Enjoy more games, extra tickets, and plenty of excitement as you make the most of your time.

Join a community storytime with stories, songs, and fun activities designed to help build early learning skills and a love of reading. This program is geared for children ages 3 to 5.