ADVENTURE COVE AT LAKE SHAWNEE

Adventure Cove is a floating playground on which swimmers can slide, rock climb, balance and more. Keep the fun going with a ride on one of the paddle boats, canoes, kayaks and paddle boards – all available to rent throughout the day.

KAY’S GARDEN

See nature come to life at the Kay McFarland Japanese Garden! Located at the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center, this Japanese water garden is one of only a few of its kind in the U.S. The final design was created by garden master Koji Morimoto, who handcrafted pieces of the serene scene himself. 

      

POOLS, SPLASH PADS & AQUATIC CENTERS

Each Memorial weekend, local pools and aquatic centers open for business! They include Blaisdell Family Aquatic Center, Midwest Health Aquatic Center and Shawnee North Family Aquatic Center, as well as several community pools. And don't sleep on the area's splash parks, including Dornwood Spray Park, Jackson Spray Park and the downtown splash pad at Evergy Plaza.

TRAILS

Topeka offers more than 60 miles of connected trails! For a more rugged experience, we suggest the hilly, winding trails of Kaw River State Park, located next to the Kansas Governor’s mansion. In North Topeka, just off Highway 24, Iliff Commons offers several miles of trails that have been carved through native prairie and woodlands. For a paved path, we recommend Shunga Trail, a nearly 20-mile-long stretch running across Topeka. Finally, Shiloh Woods in Auburn, Kansas offers wheelchair accessible nature trails, ensuring Kansas’ beauty can be enjoyed by all.

 

SKYLINE TRAILS AT BURNETT'S MOUND

Take in spectacular views of the capital city from atop Burnett's Mound at Skyline Park, the city's highest point of elevation! The park is home to popular hiking and biking trails. Many people also recall the area's cultural connection, as Burnett's Mound is named after Potawatomi Chief Abram Burnett, who led fellow Potawatomi tribe members from their settlement in Indiana to what is now Topeka. 

MOUNTAIN BIKING

A few Topeka trails offer heart-pounding cycling for bike enthusiasts, or the whole family. No matter your skill level, get ready for a thrilling challenge. Favorite biking trails among locals include:
-Kaw River State Park (Red Trail)
-MacLennan Park (Yellow & Red Trails)
-Azura Trail at Skyline Park

BMX

Heartland BMX is the sport's Topeka hub. Since the 1980s, Crestview Park has been home to the city's premier dirt BMX track, which hosts American Bicycle Association-sanctioned BMX races and clinics. 

CYCLING

From weekly group bike rides to large, organized rides throughout the city, Kaw Valley Bicycle Club can be found hitting the trail on two wheels! Topeka offers pavement, bike lanes, dirt trails, and even mountain biking. The opportunities are endless and there is a trail for every skill level, so make sure to bring the whole family. 

KANSAS RIVER 

The Kansas River, or Kaw River, stretches across the Capital City and has inspired travelers for generations. The river flows west to east for more than 170 miles before feeding into the Missouri River, the longest in North America. Topeka visitors enjoy multiple access points, including the Kaw River State Park. A convenient boat ramp near river mile 90 provides river access to canoes, kayaks and other small craft. Recent work on the river has helped create safer passages for waterway users. Enthusiasts can plan a unique experience on the river by visiting KawRiverAdventures.com. Kayak and canoe rentals are also available through KawValleyCanoeRental.com and Dirty Girl Adventures, which is known for their group excursions. 

GOLF

Topeka is home to several premier golf courses and resorts—so get ready to book a tee time, grab your clubs, and enjoy a day on the fairway! Enjoy Cypress Ridge Golf Course, Lake Shawnee Golf Course, Topeka Country Club, Firekeeper Golf Course (at nearby Prairie Band Casino), and various GreatLIFE Topeka locations, among others. If weather conditions aren’t to your liking, step inside while still hitting the green! The Tee Box, 8 Iron Therapy, and TopGolf Swing Suites at Prairie Band Casino off er indoor simulated golf experiences that will bring you back for more. A
covered driving range at TopCITYGolf will also help you steer clear of the elements. Adding even more fun to the mix, The Tee Box features a curated menu of golf-inspired fare, and 8 Iron Therapy partners with select local restaurants to quell your hunger mid-round.

MINI GOLF

If discs aren’t your thing, gear up for a round of mini golf! Whether you desire to shoot around dinosaurs and giant spiders or putt by the glow of neon lights, Topeka has what you’re looking for. Check out the following putt-putt locations:

• SPORTS CENTER 6545 S.W. 10th Ave. 
• MINI GOLF a new neon black-light experience inside West Ridge Mall
• WEST RIDGE LANES AND FAMILY FUN CENTER 1935 S.W. Westport Drive
• TOPCITYGOLF AT GREATLIFE NORTH 350 N.E. US-24 Highway
• CORNER21 CO. SPORTS 7523 S.W. 21st St.

DISC GOLF

No matter where you are in the city, you’re only a backhand throw away from a great disc golf course. The capital city offers about seven different disc golf courses that range in difficulty to serve seasoned players and newbies alike.

18 HOLE COURSES:
- Big Shunga Park
- Crestview Park East
- Crestview Park West

9 HOLE COURSES:
- Edgewater Park
- Rice Park
- Shunga Glen Park
 

CAMPING & GLAMPING

Topeka offers several options for camping, including Capital City KOA, the area's top-rater campground. The local KOA features full-service RV sites, complete with free cable TV and Wi-Fi access. Another great option is the Lake Shawnee campground, which sports over 100 campsites for RV and tent-dwelling campers. All sites have electrical hookups, with handicap accessible options available. A natural lake cove, or swimming beach, is located by the campground and open to registered campers between sunrise and sunset.

Other notable camping locations in Topeka and the surrounding area include:
-Forbes Landing RV Park
-Topeka Hilltop Campground
-Perry State Park
-Deer Creek Valley RV Park

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