Stay near the zoo and other family-friendly things to do in Topeka

From our comfortable accommodations at the Country Inn & Suites just off I-70, it’s easy to reach Topeka’s top things to do, from boating at Lake Shawnee to shopping downtown. Families can pack a picnic and visit Gage Park to enjoy the aquatic center, ride the mini train, and meet the sloths at the Topeka Zoo—all less than two miles from the hotel. Looking for thrills? Head to the races at Heartland Motorsports Park or visit the Evel Knievel Museum to see how the famous stuntman made daredevil history. Corporate travelers can take clients for a round at Cypress Ridge Golf Course and enjoy short commutes to trade shows or conferences at the Stormont Vail Events Center, less than five miles away.

Select what to see in a map

  • Culture
  • Family
  • Landmark
  • Shopping

Cypress Ridge Golf Course

2.35 mi / 3.79 km from the hotel
If you love a challenge as much as you love the outdoors, bring your clubs to Cypress Ridge Golf Course and play on its 6,200 yards of beautiful greens.

Gage Park

1.93 mi / 3.11 km from the hotel
Home to a mini train, a carousel, and Reinisch Rose Garden, this 160-acre park is a great choice for an outing. Kids will love the engaging activities at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center or the chance to splash around in the Blaisdell Family Aquatic Center.

Heartland Motorsports Park

9.2 mi / 14.8 km from the hotel
Thrill to the races at Heartland Motorsports Park, which features a championship, NHRA-sanctioned drag strip, plus a two-and-a-half-mile road course, a banked clay oval, a 23-acre asphalt pad for drift events, and a dirt motocross track.

Stormont Vail Events Center

4.28 mi / 6.89 km from the hotel
This 80-acre multiuse center boasts five different exhibition areas, including a livestock facility and an agriculture hall. Check the schedule for everything from equestrian showcases and sports tournaments to comic book conventions.

Kansas Museum of History

0.72 mi / 1.17 km from the hotel
This award-winning museum explores The Sunflower State's rich history. Learn about the region's native people and discover the last surviving locomotive from the Santa Fe Railroad.

Topeka Civic Theatre

2.58 mi / 4.15 km from the hotel
With live performances throughout the year, this beloved community theater offers something for everyone, from family-friendly productions to memorable dinner theater events. Call the box office to see what’s on while you’re in town.

Topeka Symphony Orchestra

5.46 mi / 8.79 km from the hotel
Founded in 1946 as the Topeka Civic Orchestra, this Topeka institution brings in well-known guest musicians to perform baroque concertos, pop songs, and everything in between.

Topeka Zoo

1.93 mi / 3.1 km from the hotel
Feed lorikeets while exploring the Adventure Trail or see bats and sloths coexist in the Tropical Rainforest at this popular zoo located in Gage Park. Afterward, visit the gift shop and take a break in the on-site café.

Washburn University

3.46 mi / 5.58 km from the hotel
Washburn University is continually ranked as one of the best colleges in the Midwest, offering more than 200 academic programs to nearly 7,000 students. You can also visit the Mulvane Art Museum on campus for multiple exhibitions throughout the year.

West Ridge Mall

1.35 mi / 2.17 km from the hotel
Shop at over 40 chain and specialty stores at West Ridge Mall. To rest your feet, you can grab a meal at one of the on-site eateries or take in a movie at Regal West Ridge.

Lake Shawnee

8.32 mi / 13.39 km from the hotel
This manmade lake forms the center of a park offering a variety of recreational activities, from boating and fishing to baseball tournaments at the Bettis Family Sports Complex. You can pack a picnic to enjoy in the park shelters or the gardens.

Evel Knievel Museum

4.49 mi / 7.22 km from the hotel
Bring the whole family to this fun museum chronicling the career of one of America’s best-known daredevils. View Knievel’s famous motorcycles and visit the interactive Virtual Reality 4D Jump Experience to get a taste of his extraordinary exploits.