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Looking for fun things to do with kids in Parsons, KS? If you are visiting Parsons for a day, just passing through on a road trip with your kids, or staying for a while, this guide will help you find the best things to do to let them burn off some energy or keep them entertained. There are plenty of options here no matter the weather or your kids’ ages! These are all places I’ve spent years enjoying with my kids when they were young and now with my grandkids. We have indoor activities for extreme weather and outdoor activities to take advantage of the beautiful scenery in southeast Kansas. You’ll find something here for any age or interest.
Quick List of the 15 Best Things to Do with Kids in Parsons, Kansas
- Curious Minds Discovery Zone
- The Cosmic Castle
- PK Bowl
- Parsons Theatre
- Forest Park
- Marvel Park
- Tolen Creek Park
- Clark Park
- Parsons Arboretum
- PKY Skate Park
- Lake Parsons
- Big Hill Lake
- Neosho State Fishing Lake
- Parsons Swimming Pool
- Ralph Mitchell Zoo (short drive to Independence)
Here’s a closer look at each of these kid-friendly activities in Parsons, KS.
Use this map to locate each activity and plan your visit.
Indoor Things to Do with Kids in Parsons, Kansas
If you are here when our weather isn’t perfect or your kids just prefer indoor activities, try some of these places. They are great for winter or rainy days or very hot summer afternoons.
Curious Minds Discovery Zone
1610 S 21st Street Parsons, Kansas
Our first choice is always our fabulous children’s museum Curious Minds Discovery Zone. This is the most interactive children’s museum in the area and is constantly adding new activities. They have a designated area for children 3 and under and a designated section for older kids who want more STEM experiments and activities. There is, of course, plenty for those in between and for all ages to enjoy.
Milking a “cow” at Curious Minds Discovery Zone in Parsons, Kansas
Kids will love
- a messy room for paint
- a “cow” to milk
- a tractor for kids to climb on and other farm activities
- a doctor’s office with plenty of equipment
- a grocery store
- a “café” for kids to serve each other
- lots of materials to look at under microscopes
- a wall to build track for balls to roll along
and a lot more!
Outside, they have play space to climb, swing, slide, and run around. More outdoor activities are coming this summer! Water activities provide outside fun as well. It’s the go-to kid’s activity in Parsons and schools from miles around bring their students here. I’ve been bringing my grandchildren here since they first opened 12 years ago.
Cosmic Castle
110 S. 18th Street Parsons, KS
If you love arcade type games, Cosmic Castle has you covered. From old-fashioned pinball to fruit ninja to driving games and claw machines, they have it. The atmosphere is family friendly and eclectic. They are also the local center for table-top role-playing games such as Magic: The Gathering.
The fun thing here is that while your kids are entertained by the games, you can also get a snack or a meal. Great burgers and fries along with other kid-friendly food is available as well as delicious malts and sundaes. Everything is cooked fresh when you order. They are open for lunch on Sundays when many restaurants in town are closed. My grandkids love the Castle, and we’ve spent many quarters in the machines here! If you need to combine food with fun, this is your place. You’ll see this on my guide to the best places to eat in Parsons, KS
P.S. If you like aliens or dragons, this is your place for photo ops!
PK Bowl
103 Main Street, Parsons Kansas
Bowling is a classic family activity, and PK Bowl has everything you expect from a bowling alley: bowling lanes, arcade games, and a snack bar. The building is older, but very clean and the staff has always been pleasant and accommodating to deal with. This is one of those activities that works with a wide range of ages since the adults will have fun as much as the kids.
We just had my granddaughter’s six year old birthday party here. With the bumpers and the ramps they provided, even she was having a blast knocking down pins. With three generations of us there bowling, it was her favorite birthday party yet.
Parsons Theatre
210 N 17th St, Parsons, Kansas
The Parsons Theatre shows current movie releases and has stadium seating, great refreshments and reasonably priced tickets compared to many big city theaters. Tuesday is Discount Day and all tickets are only $6. That’s a steal! If it’s too cold or too hot for outdoor activities, try out our local theater.
Parsons also has a historical museum and an Iron Horse museum. While not specifically designed for kids, older teens who are interested in history would find them quite interesting.
Parks and Outdoor Playgrounds in Parsons, Kansas
If the weather is nice, Parsons has several parks where kids can play, run, and explore.
Forest Park
214 S 13th St, Parsons, Kansas
Forest Park is the largest park in Parsons and one of the best places to bring children.
The park includes:
- multiple playgrounds
- picnic shelters
- tennis courts
- frisbee golf
- wide open green spaces
- splash pad
Playground at Forest Park in Parsons, Kansas
Families often spend an afternoon here because there is plenty of room for kids to run and explore. If you are here on a Thursday night in the summer, join us for Music in the Park. A wide variety of music is represented and there is usually a food truck here.
Marvel Park
800 Main Street, Parsons, Kansas
Marvel Park is another large recreation area in town.
Features include:
- our local dog park
- sports fields
- open grassy areas
- walking areas
- RV camp sites
It’s especially active during youth sports seasons, but any time you just need a place to let kids run, Marvel Park can be that place.
Tolen Creek Park
North Highway 59, East Cattle Drive, Parsons Kansas
Tolen Creek Park offers a quieter outdoor setting.
Families can enjoy:
- walking trails
- fishing pond
- picnic areas
- historic stone house
- Stan Herd statues
Stan Herd Statues at Tolen Creek Park in Parsons Kansas
It’s a nice option if you want nature and a little more space away from crowds. If you hike the trail north under the highway, you’ll come to the area where the Stan Herd statues are. Kids can climb on these unique art installations. It might be a long hike for smaller children, but my 10 year old granddaughter loves it and you can go to the north entrance, just past Wal-mart, and get to the statues that way.
Clark Park
Between 13th and 14th on Clark, Parsons, Kansas
Clark Park is a small park, but worth mentioning because it was designed to be more accessible for kids with special needs. The play area has all the normal fun things for kids that the other parks have, but the area was designed more thoughtfully for those who might need accommodations.
Parsons Arboretum
2004 Briggs, Parsons, Kansas
The Parsons Arboretum is a small botanical area built on a former rail yard.
Kids can:
- walk short trails
- explore garden spaces
- look for birds and wildlife
It’s a peaceful place for a short nature walk with children. If the building is open, they have a few nature exhibits inside. My son helped with those when he was a boy scout.
PKY Skate Park
1926 Crawford Ave, Parsons, Kansas
Older kids may enjoy the skate park.
The park includes:
- ramps
- rails
- jump boxes
Skateboards, scooters, and BMX bikes are common here.
Lakes and Outdoor Adventures Near Parsons, Kansas
If you want to get outside the city for a bit, several lakes are within a short drive.
Lake Parsons
10355 30th Rd, Parsons, Kansas
Located just north of town, Lake Parsons offers:
- fishing
- picnic areas
- walking paths
- Swimming beach
It’s a relaxing place for a quick outdoor break.
Big Hill Lake
About 15 minutes away, Big Hill Lake is one of the most popular outdoor spots near Parsons. I believe the address is Cherryvale, but you don’t have to go through Cherryvale to get there.
Families can enjoy:
- swimming beach
- fishing
- boating
- picnic areas
- camp sites
Neosho State Fishing Lake (Lake McKinley)
18715 McKinnley Lake Rd, Parsons, Kansas
This small lake is a peaceful spot known for:
- fishing
- wildlife viewing
- lakeside picnics
There is no swimming here since this is a fishing lake, but if your kids like to fish, this is the place! If they just like to run around in nature, this is the place. This lake is not a busy one, so if you just need a peaceful retreat with your kids for a bit, try this lake.
A Short Drive: A Free Zoo Kids Will Love
Ralph Mitchell Zoo (Independence)
About 25 minutes from Parsons, this small zoo is one of the best family attractions in the area.
Kids can see:
- monkeys
- birds
- reptiles
- small mammals
The zoo is located inside a large park with playgrounds and picnic areas, making it easy to spend several hours there. One of the best aspects of this zoo is that it is free! Because it’s free, you don’t feel guilty if you just spend a short time here or you can stay all afternoon. If you come on a day when the other activities are active, Thursdays through Sundays in the summer, the park has a carousel and a train. These attractions require tickets:
- Train-50 cents
- Carousel-5 cents
- Miniature golf-$2.00
When was the last time you saw prices like that!
Seasonal Activity
Parsons Municipal Swimming Pool
200 S. Heacock, Parsons, Kansas
During summer months, the city pool is a favorite spot for families.
The pool includes:
- water slide
- shallow entry area
- lap lanes
- snack bar
It typically opens around Memorial Day and operates through summer.
Final Thoughts
Parsons may be a small town, but families visiting the area will still find several places where kids can play, explore, and stay active. We’ve found plenty of activities for our kids at all ages at all times of the year. If you are looking for a great meal after a full day of fun, check out my guide to the best places to eat in Parsons. Parsons, KS is a family-friendly town that everyone can enjoy!
Other Things to Do in Southeast Kansas
- A general overview of what is available in Southeast Kansas. There is a lot to do here!
- If you need recommendations for eating in the area, check out our recommendations for the 15 Best Restaurants in Pittsburg.
- A quick and fun photo opportunity in Southeast Kansas is where the three states of Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma come together.
- If you would like to see other areas that have been reclaimed from the coal strip mining, explore the Mined Land Wildlife Area.
- Looking for more outdoor adventures? Check out Crawford State Park.
- Need something for the kids? Head on into Parsons to Curious Minds Discovery Zone. This is one of my grandkids’ favorite places to be!
- Feeling the need for more adult activities? Kansas Crossing Casino is right on the south end of Pittsburg.
- Find a cool photo op where the three states of Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri come together.
- Are you a fan of Disney’s movie Cars? If so, don’t miss Kan-O-Tex service station in Galena. The home of the original Tow Mater!
