Lawrence Kids Calendar
Available Anytime
Summer Activities
Summer Reading Program, May 24 - August 19
“All together now!” “¡Todos juntos ahora!” Come one, come all as Lawrence Public Library bands together for three months packed with reading challenges, free events, and exploring kindness, friendship, and unity as a community. (Fanfare, please.) As a bonus, you have an awesome lineup of prizes waiting for you to finish the Summer Reading Challenge! TYKES
Free Lunch, Monday-Friday, June 5 - August 4
Through the Lawrence Public Schools Summer Food Program, kids ages 1-18 can enjoy FREE lunch at the library. Adults won’t be left out! They can also eat a healthy meal for $5.00. No tickets or sign-ups are required. This program is sponsored through the USDA Summer Food Service Program. Ages 1-18 Mon-Fri | Jun 5–Aug 4 | 11 AM–12 PM | Lawrence Public Library Auditorium| No lunch 6/19, 7/3, & 7/4 For the most up to date information, please check our website. TYKES
Scavenger Hunt: All Together Meow, June 1 - July 31
We have the purr-fect summer scavenger hunt lined up for you! Find the kitties spray painted on paths in local parks. Each kitty will be paired with a clue. Visit the parks, collect the clues, and try to solve our summer scavenger hunt! For the most up to date information, please check our website. All Ages | Jun 1–Jul 31 | Various locations TYKES
Story Stroll with LMH Health, June 1 - July 31
Get your walking shoes ready! This summer you can take a stroll through Watson Park & Lawrence Rotary Arboretum, read a picture book, and do some fun activities all at the same time. Participants that complete this activity on Beanstack will be entered to win a prize basket from LMH Health.
June | Watson Park "Hello Friend, Hola Amigo" by 123 Andrés
July | Lawrence Rotary Arboretum "Thank You, Omu!" by Oge Mora
For the most up to date information, please check our website. All ages, TYKES
The Teen Zone Discord server is a way for Lawrence teens grades 6th–12th to make new friends, share art or writing, and play games. Visit the Teen Zone without having to leave your house. Stop in and chat with us! Get an invite by filling out the form on lplks.org/teen-discord-server
Pocket History Packets Summer Program, June 2 - August 31
This summer, the Watkins Museum is offering a new program for Douglas County students who have just finished kindergarten through fifth grade in the latest school year. In June, July, and August students are invited to the Watkins Museum to pick up a Pocket History Packet! Each packet will direct them to find an artifact or exhibit at the Watkins or other museums in Douglas County.
Students can take their packets home to learn more about the topic and participate in an activity. Once the activity is finished, the student will bring it to the Watkins and receive a small prize.
Each time a student completes a packet, their name will be put into a raffle to win prizes! The raffle will take place at the end of August 2023.
Please register your child by downloading and completing the documents on the program website.
Ongoing Activities
Children and their parents explore different activities using various pieces of gymnastics equipment. Late afternoons on Tuesday or Friday. Ongoing sessions available throughout 2023. Begin attending at the start of each month. TYKES
Baker Wetlands Discovery Center
The Baker University Wetlands and Discovery Center is a paradise for children interested in biology, ecology, and nature in general. Enjoy the stunning 927-acre natural habitat and numerous trails. TYKES
Prairie Park Nature Center is a 100-acre nature preserve on the east side of Lawrence. The preserve incorporates wetlands, woodlands and prairie habitats and a five-acre lake. Visitors may see a wide variety of native Kansas wildlife on the property including beavers, deer, bobcats and birds of prey.
Prairie Park offers walking trails for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts as well as educational programs. TYKES
The Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department oversees a park system which includes 54 parks. The Lawrence Loop is a series of connected trails that provides residents and visitors alike a safe and secure way to experience Lawrence by walking, wheeling, or biking. TYKES
The Watkins Museum is full of fun interactive exhibits for children and families to enjoy. Visit the Victorian Playhouse and try the Look Back Machine. Pick up a scavenger hunt or a family guide for a map of all our family-friendly activities! TYKES
The KU Natural History Museum is home to four floors of public natural history exhibits, including the historic Panorama, live snakes and insects, flora and fauna of the Great Plains, a 45-foot-long mosasaur and much more.
Lawrence Public Library and DOTTIE
In addition to numerous story times and other events, find kid-friendly spaces and activities whenever the downtown library is open. Thanks to Dottie, the new bookmobile, the library has expanded its outreach efforts to bring books, movies, and more to a neighborhood near you. Check the schedule to see where Dottie will be next! TYKES
Con Dottie, nuestra nueva biblioteca móvil, la Biblioteca Pública de Lawrence quiere llevar la biblioteca hasta usted.