As far as vacations are concerned, many people focus their travels on the warm weather months. Spring and summer mean sunshine, time off from school for the kiddos, and plenty of festivals and events to enjoy. But to neglect traveling in the winter months is a mistake. Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean that your vacations have to end. There are lots of great winter trips in Kansas, and one of our favorites is Garden City. The city is one of the largest in western Kansas, and the county seat of Finney County.

We get it: many of Kansas’s most popular attractions are located in the eastern part of the state. Many people don’t head towards the west, so even though Garden City is a fairly large city, with a population of nearly 30,000, it gets somewhat ignored as a travel destination.

City of Garden City, KS – Local Government/Facebook

We think a winter visit to Garden City is especially magical. The city gets around 21 inches of snow a year, which is less than the national average, so you’re not likely to be trapped in a blizzard.

City of Garden City, KS – Local Government/Facebook

Of course, if you visit during the holiday season, you’ll find Christmas lights and a parade, plus plenty of holiday cheer.

City of Garden City, KS – Local Government/Facebook

But there’s plenty to do after the holidays, too. There aren’t too many indoor water parks in Kansas. In fact, Garden City’s Parrot Cove Indoor Water Park is the only one between Denver and Kansas City!

Bradley Janssen/Google Local You’ll find 36,000 square feet of year-round fun here, with slides, pools, and plenty more to entertain the whole family. Parrot Cove Indoor Water Park, 990 Stone Creek Dr, Garden City, KS 67846, USA

Another great winter attraction in Garden City is the Lee Richardson Zoo. This AZA-accredited zoo is home to more than 100 species of animals. Many of the animals tend to be more active when there’s a bit of a chill in the air, making winter a great time to visit.

Lee Richardson Zoo/Facebook Lee Richardson Zoo, 312 E Finnup Dr, Garden City, KS 67846, USA

Another Garden City favorite is Hidden Trail Brewing. This is one of our favorite family-friendly breweries in Kansas. There are arcade games and board games here, plus it’s dog-friendly.

Hidden Trail Brewing/Google Local Hidden Trail Brewing, 2010 E Schulman Ave, Garden City, KS 67846, USA

Next time you’re looking for a winter trip in Kansas, make sure to consider Garden City!

City of Garden City, KS – Local Government/Facebook

Bradley Janssen/Google Local

You’ll find 36,000 square feet of year-round fun here, with slides, pools, and plenty more to entertain the whole family.

Parrot Cove Indoor Water Park, 990 Stone Creek Dr, Garden City, KS 67846, USA

Lee Richardson Zoo/Facebook

Lee Richardson Zoo, 312 E Finnup Dr, Garden City, KS 67846, USA

Hidden Trail Brewing/Google Local

Hidden Trail Brewing, 2010 E Schulman Ave, Garden City, KS 67846, USA

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Address: Garden City, KS 67846, USA