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:
Gardner Parks and Recreation Spring Break Camp
- Dates: March 17-21, 2025
- Time: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Ages: 5-12 years
- Location: Gardner Community Center, 128 E. Main Street, Gardner, KS
- Cost: $150 for the week
- Details: Activities include arts and crafts, sports, games, and field trips.
- Contact: 913-856-0936
- Website: Gardner Parks and Recreation
Spring Hill Recreation Commission Spring Break Camp
- Dates: March 17-21, 2025
- Time: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Ages: 5-12 years
- Location: Spring Hill Civic Center, 401 N. Madison Street, Spring Hill, KS
- Cost: $175 for the week
- Details: Campers will enjoy games, crafts, and field trips.
- Contact: 913-592-7201
- Website: Spring Hill Recreation Commission
Youth Baseball/Softball Spring Break Camp
- Dates: March 17–19, 2025
- Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Ages: 8–14 years old
- Location: USD 368 Baseball/Softball Complex
- Cost: $40.00
- Details: Join us for an exciting three-day Youth Baseball & Softball Camp during spring break! This camp offers young athletes the chance to improve their skills in a fun and supportive environment. Led by experienced instructors with collegiate playing backgrounds, the camp will focus on key fundamentals including:
- Throwing Mechanics: Improve accuracy and arm strength with proper technique.
- Hitting: Learn the mechanics of a powerful and consistent swing.
- Fielding: Develop strong defensive skills for both infield and outfield positions.
- Baserunning: Master speed, agility, and smart baserunning strategies.
- The camp will be led by Wesley Joy, PRC Director and former collegiate baseball player with years of high school coaching experience, and Kurt Golubski, a former collegiate baseball player and current high school teacher and coach in the KC metro area. Their combined expertise will provide campers with top-notch instruction to help take their game to the next level. Campers should bring their glove, bat, helmet, and a water bottle. Baseball/Softball pants are encouraged.
- Website: Paola Recreation Center
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Spring Break Fun
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.
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:
Wellsville Recreation Commission Spring Break Activities
- Dates: March 17–21, 2025
- Time: Varies by activity
- Ages: All ages (some activities may be age-specific)
- Location: Wellsville Community Center, 411 Main Street, Wellsville, KS
- Cost: Varies by activity
- Details: Offering a range of activities including sports, arts, and special events.
- Contact: 785-883-2383
Paola Community Center Spring Break Activities
- Dates: March 18–20, 2025
- Time: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day
- Ages: 7-12 years
- Location: Sunflower Elementary School, Paola, KS
- Cost: $5 per day or attend all three days for just $12
- Details: Each day will feature fun and exciting activities for kids! Tuesday – Nerf Mania: Bring your energy and Nerf skills for an afternoon of epic battles, target challenges, and obstacle courses! Wednesday – Dodgeball: Get ready for a fast-paced afternoon of dodgeball fun with different game variations to keep you on your toes. Thursday – Yard Games Extravaganza: Enjoy classic and new yard games, including cornhole, ladder toss, CrossNet, and more!
- Contact: 913-294-4306
- Website: Paola Recreation Center
- Free Movie Matinee: Moana 2 (Ottawa, KS)
Wednesday, March 19th:
- Get Your Wiggles Out (Ottawa, KS)
- Game Day at The Library (Osawatomie, KS)
- Tiny Tours at Watkins Museum of History (Lawrence, KS)
Want more? Make sure to check out our full Macaroni KID Gardner-Spring Hill-Paola calendar!
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.
Kid-Friendly Day 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
Check out our spring break guide for more things to do in Kansas City!
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!
