Can you feel it? That warm breeze, the blooming flowers, and yes, the buzz of excitement in the air – spring is finally here! And with it comes that special time we've all been counting down to... spring break! It's the perfect pause in our busy lives for some unforgettable family fun.
Lucky for us, Gardner, Spring Hill, Paola & surrounding areas are just bursting at the seams with activities, camps, and attractions tailor-made for families on break.
Whether you're on the hunt for engaging spring break camps to spark your little ones' imaginations, on the lookout for fun (and free!) things to do, or eager to explore the best family-friendly local spots, you've hit the jackpot. Welcome to your ultimate guide to making this spring break the best one yet for your family!
Local Spring Break Camps
Gardner, Spring Hill, Paola & surrounding areas are home to a variety of spring break camps that not only keep your children engaged but also foster learning and creativity:
Spring Hill Recreation Commission Youth Volleyball Spring Break Camp
- Dates: March 16-19, 2026
- Volleyball for Beginners: 9am-10:30am for 3rd and 4th Grade
- Volleyball for Advanced Beginners: 10:30am-12:00pm for 5th and 6th Grade
- Location: Spring Hill Early Childhood Center Gymnasium, 300 E. South Street, Spring Hill, KS
- Cost: $105 for the week
- Website: Spring Hill Recreation Commission
Spring Break Camp at Lawrence Gymnastics Academy
- Dates: March 16–20, 2026
- Time: 8:30am-4:00pm
- Ages: 5–12 years old
- Location: Lawrence Gymnastics Academy, 4930 Legends Drive, Lawrence, KS 66049
- Cost: $30-$50
- Website: Lawrence Gymnastics' Schools Out Camps
Spring Break Camp at Prairie Park Nature Center
- Dates: March 16–20, 2026
- Time: 9:00am-3:00pm
- Ages: 6–13 years old
- Location: Prairie Park Nature Center, 2730 Harper Street, Lawrence, KS 66044
- Cost: $205
- Website: Spring Break Camp at Prairie Park Nature Center
Paleocamp
- Date: March 16, 2026
- Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
- Grades: 4–6 years old
- Location: Kansas Geological Survey-Hambleton Hall, 1930 Constant Ave., Lawrence, KS 66047
- Cost: Free, but spots are limited and pre-registration is required
- Website: Paleocamp at the Kansas Geological Survey
Volleyball Spring Break Camp
- Dates: March 17–19, 2026
- Time: 1:30pm-3:30pm
- Ages: 7–14 years old
- Location: New Century Fieldhouse, 551 New Century Pkwy, New Century, KS 66031
- Cost: $75-$82
- Website: New Century Fieldhouse Spring Break Volleyball Camp
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Spring Break Fun
Kid-Friendly Day/Road Trips
Looking for a quick getaway? Here are a few spots that make for a good day trip (or a quick overnight) this time of year: Columbia, Topeka, St. Louis or Kansas City!
- Make a splash at Great Wolf Lodge
- Stay at Loews Kansas City Hotel and see the attractions at Crown Center
- Check out Aloft Leawood and visit Park Place
- Indulge in Urban Comfort with a stay in Midtown
- Experience Silver Dollar City with Your Family
- Fritz’s Adventure: Indoor Fun for Kids and Adults in Branson
Indoor Activities for Yucky Days
Spring weather can be unpredictable, but that doesn't mean the fun has to stop. Gardner, Spring Hill, Paola and our neighboring communities have several indoor attractions that are ideal for keeping the little ones entertained on rainy days, click here to see our comprehensive list of things to do in KC over spring break.
From museums designed for children to indoor play centers, our local guide to indoor fun has many options along with their features, such as hands-on exhibits, play areas, and educational programs.
Parks and Playgrounds
Gardner, Spring Hill, Paola and nearby areas boasts an array of beautiful parks and playgrounds where families can enjoy picnics, leisurely walks, and playtime. Click here to view our Parks and Playgrounds guide!
Community Events in Gardner, Spring Hill, Paola and surrounding areas
Looking for family fun events happening during spring break? Here are a few standout events to make the week special:
Eudora Public Library Spring Break Book Kits
- Dates: Pick up begins March 13, while supplies last
- Ages: Designed for students in grades K-5
- Location: Eudora Community Library, 14 E. 9th Street, Eudora, KS 66025
- Website: Eudora Community Library
Paola Rec Spring Break Activities
- Dates: March 17-19, 2026
- Time: 1:00pm-3:00pm
- Ages: 6-12 years
- Location: Sunflower Elementary School, 1401 E 303rd St, Paola, KS 66071
- Cost: $12 for all three days
- Website: Paola Rec Spring Break
Want more? Make sure to check out our full Macaroni KID Gardner-Spring Hill-Paola calendar!
Making the Most of Spring Break
Whether it's outdoor adventures, cool camps, or local fun you're after, get ready to make this spring break unforgettable for you and your kids. Here's to making memories! Happy Spring Break!
