Summer is around the corner, and we know your kids will want to find fun things to do to pass the time beyond video games and cellphones. We have a few suggestions for fun, family-friendly activities that are safe for kids with braces.
Wilson & Hendrickson Orthodontics takes great pride in our community, which has supported us since day one. We love enjoying all that Topeka, KS, has to offer. Here are some of our favorite suggestions for fun family activities in Topeka.
Kansas Children’s Discovery Center
You could spend days exploring all the fun at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center! Indoor exhibits include places to explore careers, art, grains, and water, as well as a giant climbable sunflower! Your child will love the huge Lite Brite-style activity (and you might, as well!), and they even have a sensory garden for infants and special activity areas for toddlers!
Once you’re done inside, step outside for even more activities! Explore nature at the Pond and Stream Family Treasure Garden or the Native Prairie Grass & Wildflower Habitat. Explore the Pirate Ship and the Treehouse, and create beautiful sounds in the Music Garden. All this and so much more await your family — and all of it braces friendly!
Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center
Who doesn’t love adorable animals? You can see a variety of them at the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center and learn about conservation efforts to ensure these animals survive and thrive in the wild. You can also visit the Kay McFarland Japanese Garden and even go behind the scenes for some up-close encounters with the zoo animals!
If you get hungry, visit the zoo’s Sunflower’s Cafe & Grill. Your child with braces should avoid the popcorn, pretzels, and tortilla chips in the taco salad. Otherwise, enjoy the great food and the fun activities at the zoo!
Gage Park
Just outside the Discovery Center and the zoo is Gage Park, a 160-acre playland with walking trails, an aquatic center, an old-fashioned carousel, a rose garden, and a mini train, among other great activities.
Bring a braces-friendly picnic and enjoy the outdoors at one of the many picnic tables throughout the park. Bring your four-legged friends for a run in Hill’s Dog Park located in the southeast corner of Gage Park. It’s fun for the whole family!
Lake Shawnee
Who doesn’t love spending time at the lake during the summer? Lake Shawnee offers so many great activities and beauty for families throughout the summer! From the Ted Ensley Garden to fishing docks to campgrounds to sports complexes, there is something for everyone! (Remember, if you’re taking part in sports at the complexes, wear a mouthguard to protect your braces!)
One of the big attractions at Lake Shawnee is Adventure Cove, which opens May 27. Adventure Cove features an inflatable playground, paddle boards and boats, and a swim beach. You can even rent a kayak or canoe for a paddle around the lake!
For patients with braces, the concessions offer plenty of options that are just fine for your braces. Stay away from soft pretzels (too chewy) and popcorn, both of which are on the forbidden foods list for patients with braces.
Kansas Museum of History
Why not have a fun day out and learn about the history of our great state? The Kansas Museum of History includes educational exhibits, a child’s mini-train, a snack area featuring a 1950s-style diner counter, and a 2.5-mile nature walking trail.
Bring your own braces-safe snacks for the diner counter or enjoy one of the nearby restaurants later. You can also bring your own picnic and enjoy it at one of the picnic tables along the walking trail. Several tables are located near the old Potawatomi Mission building on the north branch of the walking trail near the museum parking lot. A playground is also located nearby.
Braces-Safe Fun in Topeka, KS
Topeka offers great summer fun for families. Most activities are braces-friendly, and most on-site restaurants and cafes have options that won’t harm your braces. If not, there are plenty of great restaurants throughout Topeka where you can find delicious options that won’t slow your treatment! If you have any issues with your braces this summer, be sure to schedule an appointment with Wilson & Hendrickson Orthodontics. Stay safe this summer, and have fun!
