Fun Things to do in Wichita
Kansas
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city guide
Wichita, Kansas, is a city rich in history and innovation. From its humble beginnings as a cowtown, which can still be explored today at the living Cowtown Museum, Wichita has evolved into the largest city in the state and proudly proclaims itself as the Air Capital of the World. This title is well-deserved, as more than half of the world's aircraft are manufactured here, thanks to the presence of major players in the aviation industry.
Despite its industrial prowess, Wichita offers visitors a diverse range of attractions that make it a worthwhile destination to explore for a few days. The city boasts a variety of museums showcasing its history, art, and culture, such as the Wichita Art Museum and the Museum of World Treasures. Nature lovers will appreciate the beautiful park spaces scattered throughout the city, including the lush Botanica Gardens and the serene Great Plains Nature Center.
For those looking to experience the vibrant side of Wichita, a visit to Oldtown is a must. This historic district is filled with charming brick-lined streets, unique shops, restaurants, and lively entertainment venues, making it a hub for nightlife and cultural experiences.
To fully immerse yourself in all that Wichita has to offer, consider participating in some of the best activities the city has to offer, such as:
1. Explore the historic Old Cowtown Museum to step back in time and experience life in a 19th-century cowtown.
2. Visit the Sedgwick County Zoo, one of the largest zoos in the United States, and home to over 3,000 animals from around the world.
3. Take a stroll through the scenic Wichita Botanica Gardens and enjoy the beauty of diverse plant collections and themed gardens.
4. Discover the rich aviation heritage of the city at the Kansas Aviation Museum, showcasing the evolution of flight through interactive exhibits and historic aircraft displays.
5. Enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride along the Arkansas River Path, a picturesque trail that winds through the heart of the city and offers stunning views of the river and surrounding landscapes.
To stay updated on upcoming events, attractions, and local insights in Wichita, consider following these social media accounts:
- Facebook: @CityofWichita
- Instagram: @VisitWichita
- Twitter: @WichitaGov
For a comprehensive guide to the best things to do in Wichita, check out publications such as "Wichita Magazine" and "The Wichita Eagle" for recommendations, reviews, and insider tips on exploring
Best time to go
The best time to visit Wichita is during the fall as the weather around that time is pleasant and ideal for tourists. The summers in Wichita are too hot and winters are too cold. So, fall provides a middle ground and sees numerous tourists traveling to the city.
Fun city facts and activities
- Wichita began life as a cowtown (a time and style of life that can still be explored today thanks to the living Cowtown Museum) but has grown to be the largest city in the state of Kansas as well as the self-proclaimed Air Capital of the World. This claim is not made lightly with more than half of the worlds aircraft being built here thanks to the presence of some of the aviation worlds major players.
Whilst the rest of the state of Kansas should take precedent during a visit to the area, there is still plenty to warrant spending a couple of days in Wichita including some great museums and park spaces as well as the vibrant Oldtown area.
Neighborhoods to explore
- Crown Heights
Rockhurst
College Hill
Riverside
Restaurants
Food Specialties
- Just as the state of Kansas offers visitors more to see than fields of sunflowers, its largest city, Wichita, offers foodies more to eat than steak and barbecue.
Wichita Offbeat activities
Free or cheap things to do
1. Take a tour of the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum
2. Visit the Wichita Art Museum
3. Visit the Great Plains Nature Center
4. Check out the Wichita Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
5. Take a riverboat ride on the Arkansas River
6. Attend a show at the Orpheum Theatre
7. Take the family to Exploration Place
8. Go rock climbing at the Wichita Rock Gym
9. Try your hand at Disc Golf
10. Go Bowling at Northrock Lanes
Fun things to do in with kids
Free or cheap things to do
1. Sedgwick County Zoo
Founded in 1971, Sedgwick County Zoo houses more than 3,000 animals of almost 400 species in its 247-acre terrain.
2. Botanica: The Wichita Gardens
Opened to the public in May 1987, Botanica Wichita Gardens boasts over 4,000 native and foreign plant species sprawling all over its 18-acre gardens.
3. The Keeper of the Plains
The Keeper of the Plains is a 44-foot, 5-ton Cor-Ten steel sculpture of an Indian Chief located at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas Rivers.
4. Exploration Place
Exploration Place opened on April 1, 2000 and is located at the heart of downtown Wichita, along the scenic Arkansas River.
5. Museum of World Treasures
In 2001, Dr. John and Lorna Kardatske founded the nonprofit organization and since then has been a place for discovery and fascination for guests from all over the region.
6. Nifty Nut House
Established in 1937, Nifty Nut House prides itself with quality products offering different kinds of nuts, gum, chocolate, and candy.
7. Old Cowtown Museum
Old Cowtown Museum is a 23-acre open-air museum recreating Wichita and Sedgwick Country from 1865 to 1880.
8. Field Station: Dinosaurs
Located in Derby, KS, Field Station: Dinosaurs is a unique theme park filled with over 40 life-sized, moving, and realistic dinosaurs.
9. Tanganyika Wildlife Park
Opened on August 2, 2008, Tanganyika Wildlife Park boasts over 40 exhibits featuring 10 interactive stations, more than 400 animals, and 37 fruitful breeding programs.
10. CityArts
Established in 1955, Wichitas CityArts features 4 galleries inside a 3-story building filled with art works such as pottery, photographs, drawings, paintings, and a lot more.
City data and FAQ
What is Wichita most know for?
First, it was the place to drive your herds of cattle, on the way to final consumers. That was in the mid 19th century. More recently, it is a center for aircraft manufacture. It is also the largest city in Kansas. There are universities, museums, and cultural centers. There is a chance your favorite fast food place began in Wichita.
Sarah LeBelle - Lives in The United States of America
Wichita was, and still is, known for aircraft manufacturing. For years Wichita was home to Boeing, Cessna, Beech, and Gates Learjet. Wichita was referred to as the air capital of the world. Celebrity pilots such as John Travolta and Harrison Ford are sometimes spotted in Wichita to service their aircraft. Wichita was also the original birthplace of Pizza Hut and was its international headquarters until PepsiCo moved it to Dallas in the 1990s I think.
Linda Hemmem - M.A. in History, Wichita State University
Landmarks in the city
1. Keeper of the Plains: A iconic sculpture located at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas rivers, known for its beauty and significance to the Native American tribes in the area.
2. Sedgwick County Zoo: One of the largest zoos in Kansas, featuring a variety of animals from around the world and offering educational programs and events.
3. Exploration Place: A science museum and discovery center with hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and a dome theater, perfect for families and science enthusiasts.
4. Old Cowtown Museum: A living history museum that showcases Wichita's past through interactive exhibits, historic buildings, and reenactments.
5. Botanica Wichita: A lush botanical garden featuring themed gardens, a butterfly house, and seasonal events like the Illuminations light display.
6. Wichita Art Museum: A premier art museum with a diverse collection of American art, including works by renowned artists such as Mary Cassatt and Edward Hopper.
7. The Orpheum Theatre: A historic theater that hosts a variety of performances, including concerts, plays, and film screenings, in a beautifully restored setting.
8. The Kansas Aviation Museum: A museum dedicated to the history of aviation in Kansas, featuring exhibits on aircraft, pilots, and the state's role in aviation development.
9. Great Plains Nature Center: A nature preserve and education center that offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing areas, and educational programs on the flora and fauna of the Great Plains region.
10. Wichita Riverfest: An annual festival held along the Arkansas River featuring live music, food vendors, art displays, and fun activities for the whole family.