The Kansas University Natural History Museum will delight children of all ages as they explore the past. The remains of the largest mosasaur dinosaur found in Kansas hangs suspended in the lobby as children first enter the museum. With hands on activities, displays and scavenger hunts, kids are encouraged to explore the world of natural history from the Cretaceous period to the modern day. Families can take advantage of a variety of special exhibits, including Bugtown and Explore Evolution. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The museum is closed on holidays.
Natural History Museum
1345 Jayhawk Blvd.
Lawrence, KS 66045
785-864-4450
naturalhistory.ku.edu
For a fun-filled creative afternoon, be sure to visit Sunfire Ceramics, located in downtown Lawrence in a 1920s refurbished cottage-style service station. Children of all ages will enjoy creating their very own piece of ceramic or glass art. The studio provides unfinished pieces of pottery which visitors can paint and decorate with a variety of stencils, stamps and sponges. The staff glazes and fires your piece of pottery, which is available for pick-up in 3-5 days. Children can also try their hands at fused glass artwork, such as a jewelry pendant or sun catcher. Hours at Sunfire Ceramics vary. Call ahead or visit the studio's website for the day's hours of operation. Prices for pottery and glass projects vary with the materials chosen.
Sunfire Ceramics
1002 New Hampshire
Lawrence, KS 66044
785-749-2828
sunfire-ceramics.com
Spend the day outdoors with kids at the Prairie Park Nature Center. This 80-acre complex features a fully stocked 5-acre lake for fishing and an educational building where live birds of prey are featured. The preserve provides a variety of public programs for children offering hands-on activities to experience the wild life. Those wishing to fish at the Prairie Park Nature Center should bring their own fishing gear and inquire with the Parks and Recreation Department ahead of time on whether a temporary fishing permit is required. The Nature Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
Prairie Park Nature Center
2730 SW Harper St.
Lawrence, KS 66046
785-832-7980
prairieparknaturecenter.org
Not just for the locals, the Lawrence Department of Parks and Recreations offers kid-friendly activities that are open to visitors. Take advantage of the South Park Wading Pool, perfect for children six and under, or the Outdoor Aquatic Center. The city also provides children with a Youth Sports Complex, 1515-acre complex where kids can visit and spend the day exploring trails, playing soccer on one of the 23 fields or a variety of other sporting activities. Lawrence is also home to two skate parks: Centennial and Deerfield Park. Hours vary at each of the recreational facilities depending on the season and the facility.
City Hall
6 E. 6th Street
Lawrence, KS 66044
785-832-3000
lawrenceks.org/lprd/home
