Gage Park

Most of the place is free; there's a lot to look at with the rose garden and the ponds, and even a wishing well. The equipment is free for the kids to play on; i recommend starting with the equipment across from the zoo. There are bathrooms on the property.

The zoo is co-located with the park, with the zoo being on the North East corner of the block. The zoo does have an admission fee, and they have a gift shop and a concession stand.

There is a mini-train in the park, across from the zoo, that costs money to ride, and there is also a carousel that costs money to ride. If you park near the zoo, you can play on the free equipment and pay to the ride the train all in the same area.

The carousel is technically within walking distance for kids and adults, but for little ones, especially if over stimulated or exhausted, it might be better to drive from the train to the carousel. The carousel also costs money to ride. For little kids, I think a parent can stand on the carousel next to the child for free. There is a party room in the building housing the carousel, so you can rent that room for birthday parties.

There are (2?) free sand volleyball pits near the carousel.

Blaisdell pool is located on the park property, somewhat near the carousel. It does charge admission. Last I knew, they sold concessions. Check out Shawnee County Parks and Rec website for additional info regarding ticket prices to anything I've mentioned.

It's a great place to walk, and there are picnic tables that you can use.

There are many pavilions and shelter houses that can be rented.

There is a Bark Park at the south east corner of the park; actually 2- one for big dogs and one...

Beautiful old park in Topeka featuring the cities Zoo, a small but captivating zoo with some unique additions. This park also has a large swimming area with a large pool as well as smaller pools for kids and some amusementadditions to the swimming section. There is or are large slide(s) as well as diving boards making the swimming area more entertaining. The park also features a mini- steam-like train that can be ridden for cheap by children & adults around a track on small cars with seats that covers a large portion of the park. There are numerous trails and walking paths around this large park with flower gardens, monuments, and art works. Also a handful of ponds scattered about the park where fishing and release are allowed. Very nice, especially in the summer months as well as spring & fall. In winter the Zoo puts on a large, dazzling Christmas light display which costed $10/adult this year with proceeds going to 'Friends of the Topeka Zoo' I believe. Also the 'Helen Hocker Performing Arts Center' is located in the park along with a couple or so smaller, complimentary businesses. This is Topeka's primary & most centrally located Park which is right along Gage Blvd. naturally beginning around 10th Street or so in that area which can be accessed easily off of I-70, Gage Blvd. Exit. Beautiful old park that serves as Topeka's traditional city park for at least a century now. Many events occur at this landmark...

I took my grandson here yesterday. He is 4. Granted, it was an absolutely perfect day so I'm sure that helped, but this place is amazing. The park includes a playground with several pieces of equipment and swing sets. I love the mix of old and new. You can tell where the park has been updated and expanded. The old concrete type structures I loved as a kid (Im not that old but still... Lol!) are still there along with the new gigantic jungle gyms with monkey bars and climbing walls and slides. It's also well shaded and that makes a large difference. There is also a mini train. Right now, with social distancing, the conductor will seat you, but there is plenty of room. Very affordable. I paid $2 per person per ride. It takes about 10 minutes to complete the ride. The train tracks circle the entire park. There is also a carousel with hand carved wooden horses, but we didn't ride them. The park also includes the zoo. There is an admission fee for the zoo, but I found it to be inexpensive. The zoo is small and we were able to see it all within a couple of hours. One thing I really liked about the zoo was the layout. I've been to zoos where it's large and wide open with trees that aren't shading any part of the walkway. This particular zoo seemed to have been carved out of a small forest. Clean and well maintained with lots of shade. I really did love it and plan to return soon. Definitely 5...