If you’re looking for a vacation rental during the fourth of July in Kansas, you have plenty of options depending on what you are looking for. Some celebrations are one day while others are up to five days long. From parades to live concerts, fireworks, car shows, and road races, Kansas certainly goes big for Independence Day. Here are Tripping.com’s 10 best 4th of July family vacations in Kansas.
1. Dodge City
See the largest fireworks display in Western Kansas! Dodge City hosts an annual Old Fashioned Fourth of July event on July 4th. Thanks to local sponsors, the huge fireworks show is free! You can also see a variety show put on by the Dodge City Cowboy Band, try your luck in the seed spitting contest, and even take some Can Can lessons. There is also an annual gunfight reenactment that you can watch.
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2. Wamego
A 4th of July spent in Wamego means a carnival, fireworks, local live music, and a parade. Find a vacation rental in this small town so that you are right near all of the celebration activities. Watch Hot Wheels Races, attend the Wamego Historical Society Ice Cream & Cake Social, and watch the 1st Infantry Division Band Concert at the Wamego Rec Complex. You can also see the annual Walter P. Chrysler Car Show and the annual Kaw Valley Antique Engine, Truck and Tractor Club Show.
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3. Fort Leavenworth
If you’re renting in Leavenworth, Kansas, head over to Merritt Lake to watch the annual celebration. The celebration typically starts around 4 p.m. and includes live rock music, a Salute to the Union, and fireworks show after the sun sets.
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4. Wichita
Wichita hosts an annual 4th of July celebration downtown on Water Street, the Hyatt Lawn, and the Lewis Street Bridge. The celebration always features a free concert by a local band and a fireworks show. Make sure to bring some money for the food trucks and beer garden on the Hyatt Lawn!
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5. Topeka
The Topeka Blues Society holds an annual Spirit of Kansas Blues Festival on the Fourth of July at Lake Shawnee in Topeka, Kansas. The festival begins at 11 a.m. with opening ceremonies and ends with fireworks show that night. In addition, there is a multitude of arts and crafts vendors and food trucks.
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6. Hays
The Wild West Festival in Hays, Kansas has been an annual celebration for 23 years. This year it is being held from June 28th to July 4th, 2017. Take the kids swimming during the day at the Hays Aquatic Park and then view the fireworks show that night. There are live music performances from artists such as Runaway June and Mark Chestnutt.
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7. Fort Scott
4th of July celebrations in Fort Scott, Kansas are held at the Fort Scott National Historic Site. This year the celebration is from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from July 1st to July 4th. This event is family friendly and has an emphasis on the nation’s history since it is categorized as a National Historic Site by the National Park Service.
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8. Hutchinson
Attend HutchFest 2017 on Tuesday, July 4th at the Kansas State Fairgrounds. HutchFest goes from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. The event includes car races, a roller derby, food, and games. The parade starts at 10 a.m. and fireworks are held at dusk. The Hutchinson Municipal Band will also be performing live at 8 p.m.
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9. Junction City
The Sundown Salute event is held annually in Junction City’s Heritage Park. This year the Sundown Salute is from June 30th to July 4th. Sign up to participate in the 41st Annual Freedom Run 5k or 10k at 7 a.m. on July 4, 2017. In addition to the race, the celebration includes a parade, car show, and fireworks.
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10. Leawood
The city of Leawood, Kansas hosts an annual celebration in Leawood City Park. Along with fireworks, there is live music, kids activities, and multiple food vendors. Note that City Park itself is closed to all vehicles the day off but there are free shuttle buses from the parking lots on the Tomahawk Creek Parkway to the festivities.
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