Family events in Topeka, KS

This open recruitment session introduces a youth leadership model supported by adult mentoring, with adults facilitating leadership training grounded in Scouting America. Scouts develop plans for small groups while serving in leadership roles, building the experience needed to mentor the next leader.

Enjoy a family-friendly bingo night with games running every 30 minutes and opportunities to win a great prize. This event takes place at this location only.

Families can enjoy a bundle at Cosmos Pizza that includes a 16 inch large pizza cut into eight slices with one protein and any fresh vegetables you choose, two small salad bars, and up to four small build-your-own sundaes or cones for $30. A child’s drink can be added for $1.50 and comes with one free refill for guests 10 and under. There is also a dinner special for $11 that includes an individual pizza with one protein and your choice of fresh vegetables, one small salad bar, and a small sundae.

Enjoy a Tuesday dinner special focused on pizza and treats. Get an individual pizza with one protein and all the fresh veggies you like, plus a small salad bar and a small sundae for $11. Families can choose the Cosmos Pizza Family Fun Night bundle that features a 16 inch large pie cut into eight big slices with one protein and unlimited fresh veggies, two small salad bars, and up to four small build-your-own sundaes or cones for $30. A child’s drink can be added for $1.50 and includes one free refill for ages 10 and under.

Cosmos Court hosts a family karaoke night that invites everyone to grab the mic, cheer one another on, and make memories together. Admission is free with no cover. The $30 Family Night Pizza Special includes one large 16 inch pizza with one protein and unlimited fresh veggies, two small salad bars, and up to four small build your own sundaes. Enjoy a welcoming atmosphere filled with music, laughter, and family fun.

Live @ Lunch, presented by Morris Laing Law Firm, features live music, local food trucks, a splash pad for families, and yard games in downtown Topeka. It offers a simple midday break from the office in an outdoor setting where visitors can enjoy the city’s atmosphere.

Experience an evening at Sunset Zoo with barbecue from Smokin' H's Meats, drinks for adults from Manhattan Brewing Co., and desserts and other options available at the Expedition Cafe concession stand. Cooler weather and a lively zoo backdrop set the tone for a night of wild fun.

Enjoy a budget-friendly evening packed with $2 specials. Admission is $2, skate rentals are $2 with speed skates and inlines not included, and Skate Mate rentals are $2 as well. Concessions are $2 each, including a hot dog, a slice of pizza, popcorn, and a 16 oz soda. Add a little glow with a $2 binky.

This weekly downtown concert delivers a festival-like atmosphere with live music and food options. Attendees can bring a lawn chair and enjoy an evening of performances from standout bands.

Green Valley Community Center hosts a once-a-month contra dance that welcomes both newcomers and seasoned dancers. A brief beginner or refresher walkthrough is offered before the main dancing gets underway, and specifics about the music and caller are still to be determined. Wear comfortable clothing and clean footwear. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students and teens, and free for children 12 and under.

This charitable tournament raises funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through event proceeds. It brings together competitive play to benefit the hospital.

Praisefest 5K brings a lively, community centered run and walk to CiCo Park in Manhattan, Kansas. Whether you plan to cover the course or cheer from the sidelines for friends and family, there is a place for you. Open to participants of all ages and abilities, this event focuses on movement, encouragement, and community spirit. Registration is currently available, with early pricing offered for a limited window before rates go up.

Washburn University hosts the 15th annual Kansas Book Festival, bringing together readers, writers, and book lovers. Dozens of authors with ties to Kansas lead panels and conversations covering fantasy, historical topics, steamy romance, experimental poetry, graphic novels, and the economics surrounding Taylor Swift. Admission is free. The festival also features book browsing, food trucks, live music, children's storytimes and art activities, and a mobile coffee bar.

KS01 Points Race offers a full day of competition at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Lawrence, KS. There is $200 added, and BBR status is pending. The schedule features a morning block and an afternoon block, each including exhibitions, Pee Wee, Rising Stars, and runs for Open, Youth, Senior and additional classes. A $10 processing fee applies. Exhibitions are $5. Entry fees are $30 for Open 5D with an 80 percent payback, $20 for Youth 3D, $20 for Senior 3D, $7 for Pee Wee, and $15 for Rising Stars, which is intended for participants who have aged out of Pee Wee but are not ready for Open or Youth. The Gambler Series 2D Sidepot is $70. Futurity, Derby and Senior Horse are $20 each and will run as 2D with 10 or fewer entries or as 3D with 11 or more.

At the Watkins Museum of History, SemiQuinn the Bison, the official mascot for the Kansas 250 Commission, is hidden somewhere in the galleries and ready to be discovered. On Saturdays, visitors who spot SemiQuinn can share a photo on Instagram with the tag @SemiQuinntheBison to receive a prize. Celebrate America’s 250th while exploring the exhibits.

Settle in at Coffee Bar Topeka for a relaxed craft meetup where everyone brings a work in progress to make alongside others. Food and drinks are available for purchase, so enjoy a snack or beverage while you create. For safety and comfort, please skip fire, glitter, and bubbles, and focus on having fun. This is an all-ages gathering, and kids are welcome.

Sunrise Project hosts its 12th Annual Pie Auction Fundraiser at Lyons Park. Enjoy a free community meal, fun drinks from Lemonet Boujee Lemonade, and music by DJ Proof. Expect pie by the slice, a live pie auction, and a silent auction. Tie dye will be available, with the option to bring your own garment or donate $5 for a T-shirt at the event, along with other activities. Current sponsors include Blue Collar Press at the Strawberry Rhubarb level, Tom Harper and Durham School Services at the Apple Pie level, and Sarah Anderson at the Strawberry Rhubarb level. Sponsorship opportunities are available at the $250, $500, or $1,000 level with recognition through social media, the newsletter, the event banner, and more. More details will be shared as plans come together.

Enjoy a relaxed morning meal with friends as the Breakfast Brigade serves a free breakfast. Donations are welcome and appreciated. Bloody Marys and mimosas are available at the bar. This gathering takes place on the last Sunday of each month.