End of Summer Fun Across Northeast Kansas

Summer may be winding down, but there's still plenty of time to soak up the season across Northeast Kansas. From immersive nighttime performances to small-town road trips, farmers' markets to family game nights, communities throughout Northeast Kansas are having one last hurrah before the leaves start to turn. Whether you're chasing live music, outdoor adventure, or just a little extra family time, here's where to find the best end-of-summer fun close to home.

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Overland Park — Immerse yourself in Terra Luna, a spellbinding experience at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. This event guides guests on a wild journey through the Arboretum's grounds, culminating in an immersive performance uniting live music, dance, aerial acrobatics and more. The show includes eight performances between September 10-12 and 17-19, with September 10, 11 and 17 being an adults-only (21+) experience. Come on over and prepare to be amazed! Learn more >> https://www.visitoverlandpark.com/events/annual-events/terra-luna/

Topeka — Close out summer with a family getaway in Topeka, where outdoor fun, hands-on learning and kid-friendly attractions are easy to find. Families can spend the day exploring Gage Park, riding the mini-train and 1908 carousel, visiting the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center or cooling off with a trip to Lake Shawnee. Add in stops like the Kansas Children's Discovery Center, the Kansas State Capitol and Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park, and Topeka makes it easy to turn one last summer weekend into a fun and memorable adventure. Learn more >> https://www.visittopeka.com/things-to-do/family-fun-getaway/

Leavenworth — Looking for some free, family-friendly fun to round out the season? Camp Leavenworth (Sept. 18-19) offers two days of live musical performances, kids' crafting stations, sidewalk chalk art contests, yard games and a Friday night fireworks display, and most activities are available free of charge. Guests will also find booths highlighting local artisans, food trucks galore, fire pits for s'mores, bounce houses, face-painting stations, a silent disco for after-hours dancing and a Saturday morning 5K fun run. And, as long as you're making memories in "the First City of Kansas," be sure to check out the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum across the street from the festival and take a spin on a restored 1913 "Carry-Us-All." Learn more >> www.CampLeavenworth.com

Merriam — There are only a few Saturdays left to enjoy the Merriam Farmers' Market before the season wraps up September 26! Stop by this Saturday for fresh fruits and vegetables, beautiful flowers, homemade treats and a special kids' workshop. The market is pet-friendly, too, so bring the whole family! Want to make a morning of it? After shopping, hop onto the nearby Turkey Creek Streamway Trail for a walk, run or bike ride. Come for the local finds, stay for the summer vibes — and make the most of the final weeks of the Merriam market! Learn more >> www.exploremerriam.com/farmersmarket

Seneca — Make the most of the last days of summer with a family road trip to Seneca, Kansas, where small-town charm makes it easy to slow down, explore, and enjoy time together. Spend the day discovering our historic downtown, browsing locally owned shops, grabbing a sweet treat or a family-friendly meal, and exploring the community at your own pace. Seneca makes a great Northeast Kansas destination for families looking for an easy day trip filled with authentic local experiences and plenty of opportunities to make memories together. Before the backpacks come out and summer officially winds down, take one more adventure and Come See Seneca! Learn more >> www.comeseeseneca.com

Lenexa — Every Wednesday night from 5-8 pm is Family Night at the Lenexa Public Market! Family Night features special activities throughout the year, weekly food specials, kid-friendly activities, and over 250 free-to-play board games. Learn more >> https://www.lenexapublicmarket.com/Events/

Olathe — Wrap up summer with one of Olathe's favorite community traditions at the final Fourth Friday of the season on August 28 from 6 to 9 p.m. in Johnson County Square. Set in the heart of Downtown Olathe, this monthly event brings together live music, local vendors, food trucks, and family friendly entertainment for an evening that showcases the city's vibrant community spirit. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning for another Fourth Friday, it's a great opportunity to experience the energy, creativity, and local flavor that make Olathe a destination all its own. Learn more >> https://fourthfridays.olathe.org/

Holton — Join us on September 12th as we kick off the return of our Second Saturdays in Downtown Holton with the Harvest & Hue celebration. Participating businesses will feature fall samplings to enjoy while you explore the boutiques and shops on our Historic Square. Want to learn more? Join us for a Historic Hayrack Ride and get a guided tour featuring the Historical Society of Jackson County rolling back the years and talking about the many businesses that have existed in the buildings, before our time. Rides begin at 11 am, with two following at 12 & 1 pm. While you wait for your guided tour, join us for some lawn games with friends both new and old. Submit your receipts for a chance to win Chamber Bucks that can be spent at participating businesses like cash! Learn more >> Second Saturday: Harvest & Hue

No matter where you find yourself this month, Northeast Kansas is serving up one last round of summer magic. So grab the family, round up your friends, and make a plan — because whether it's an enchanted evening under the stars in Overland Park or a laid-back Wednesday night of board games in Lenexa, these are the moments that turn summer into a season to remember. Here's to soaking up every last sunny day before fall takes the stage!