Topeka · Shawnee County, KS

Cheap things to do in Topeka

Scout analyzed 62 Topeka places and surfaced the ones that actually fit cheap day out.

Places analyzed

Matches

Typical spend

$30

Typical visit

1.5 hr

Scout-verified spots

Historic Holiday Park North

Jong's Thai Kitchen

Jong's Thai Kitchen is a good spot for a casual meal, whether a quick solo lunch or a family dinner. Expect to spend 1-1.5 hours and around $15-30 per person.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$15–$30 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

West Southwest 3

The Toy Store

The Toy Store is a good stop for a family outing, especially if looking for a birthday gift or something to entertain kids. Expect to spend 30-60 minutes browsing; purchases range from small items to larger toys.

ShoppingPlayfulRelaxed

$0–$50 typical1 hr visiteasy parking

North Topeka East

NOTO Arts District

NOTO Arts District is good for a casual afternoon or evening exploring local galleries and shops. It can be a free outing or cost around $25 if you purchase art or grab a meal.

ArtsShoppingFood

$0–$25 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

North Topeka East

Bradley's Corner Cafe

Bradley's Corner Cafe is a good spot for a casual, budget-friendly breakfast or lunch, especially for families. Expect to spend about 45 minutes and $10-25 per person for a meal in a relaxed diner setting.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$10–$25 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Lake Shawnee

Lake Shawnee is a large recreation area ideal for a family outing or solo adventure, offering fishing, boating, and walking trails. Expect to spend a few hours to a full day, with costs ranging from free for walking to moderate for rentals or camping.

OutdoorsSportsViews

$0–$20 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

South/Southeast 3

Blind Tiger Brewery & Restaurant

Blind Tiger is suitable for a casual meal or drinks, pairing well with a low-key evening or a weekend outing. Expect to spend 90 minutes to two hours and around $20-45 per person for food and drinks.

FoodCocktailsOutdoors

$20–$45 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

South/Southeast 1

Brookwood Shopping Center

Brookwood Shopping Center is a general shopping mall suitable for a family outing or solo errands, where you can shop or grab a casual meal. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and anywhere from $0 to $100 depending on purchases.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$0–$100 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

West Southwest 2

Texas Roadhouse

Texas Roadhouse is a lively chain steakhouse good for a casual family dinner or a relatively affordable meal out. Expect a visit of about 75 minutes, with individual spending typically ranging from $20 to $40 for food and drinks.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$20–$40 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Lawrence Cultural District

Mass St. Fish House & Raw Bar

This stylish seafood restaurant is good for a special occasion or a weekend brunch, offering a relaxed upscale atmosphere. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $30-70 per person on a meal with drinks.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$30–$70 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown

Classic Bean

Classic Bean is suitable for a casual solo or small group visit for coffee or light food, typically lasting under an hour and costing $5-$15 per person. It pairs well with other downtown activities.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Southwest Topeka

Massage Envy

Massage Envy is suitable for a solo wellness outing, typically lasting about an hour. Expect to spend $100-$200 per person for a service, perfect for unwinding after a busy day.

WellnessRelaxedQuiet

$100–$200 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Downtown

The Celtic Fox

The Celtic Fox is a convivial Irish pub, great for a casual evening meal, drinks with friends, or catching live music. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and around $15-35 per person for food and drinks.

FoodCocktailsLive music

$15–$35 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

North Topeka

North Star

North Star is a steak house suitable for an evening meal, typically lasting 1.5 hours. Expect to spend $30-$70 per person for food and drink.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$30–$70 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

West Southwest 3

Crestview Park

Crestview Park is suitable for a free, casual outdoor activity like a picnic or a stroll. Expect to spend about an hour here, easily paired with other local errands or a drive.

OutdoorsRelaxedQuiet

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Southwest Topeka

Blue Moose

Blue Moose is suitable for a casual meal or drinks, offering comfort food and cocktails. Expect to spend 1-1.5 hours and around $15-35 per person, making it a good option before or after a local activity.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$15–$35 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Downtown

Iron Rail Brewing

Iron Rail Brewing is a good spot for a casual meal with house-brewed beers, perfect for an evening out or weekend lunch. Expect to spend $15-35 per person for food and a drink, and allow about 90 minutes for your visit.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$15–$35 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

West Southwest 2

7 Brew Coffee

7 Brew Coffee is a drive-thru coffee stand for a quick caffeine fix or treat, costing about $5-10 per person. It's a convenient stop on the way to work, school, or to pair with errands.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$10 typical45 min visiteasy parking

East Topeka

Dornwood Park

Dornwood Park is a good option for families with young children, offering playgrounds and a water play area, typically for a few hours. It's free to enter, with potential small costs for concessions.

OutdoorsSportsPlayful

$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Central Topeka 2

Circle Coffee Co.

Circle Coffee Co. is a good spot for a quick coffee break or to grab a beverage and snack. Expect to spend 30 minutes and under $15 per person for a casual visit.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visiteasy parking

West Southwest 2

Blackbird Espresso Bar and Bistro

This coffee shop and bistro is suitable for a relaxed solo visit, a casual lunch, or a quick coffee meeting. Expect to spend $10-25 per person for a visit lasting about an hour.

FoodShoppingCocktails

$10–$25 typical45 min visiteasy parking

Ward Meade

Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Historic Site and Botanical Garden

This site is good for a 2-hour educational outing, exploring historical buildings and gardens. Expect minimal cost for entry, with parking readily available.

OutdoorsArtsHistory

$0–$10 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

West Southwest 3

Classic Bean

Classic Bean is suitable for a quick stop for coffee and a bite, especially solo or with a small group. Expect to spend 45-60 minutes and $5-$15 per person for coffee and a light meal.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visiteasy parking

East Topeka

Milk & Honey Coffee Co.

This coffee shop is good for a quick stop for a drink or light snack, potentially as a starting point for errands or a solo break. Expect to spend 30-60 minutes and $5-15 per person.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Ted Ensley Gardens

This large botanical garden is a free outdoor activity, best for a relaxed walk or picnic. Expect to spend 1-2 hours here, especially on a sunny day, and it pairs well with other outdoor sights in the area.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed

$0 typical2 hr visiteasy parking