Nestled right in the heart of Kansas is the scenic city of Wichita in Sedgwick County.
Wichita is a city in the Great Plains known as the birthplace of fast-food chains such as Pizza Hut and White Castle.
Apart from being where popular restaurants originated, Wichita is also considered the Air Capital of the World since it was once the capital of aircraft production.
Before it became the bustling city it is today, Wichita had another nickname back when it was a destination of cattle drives from Texas: Cowtown.
Wichita is a popular tourist destination for its unique history and significant contributions to different industries.
Many flock to this city because it is home to numerous exciting attractions and historic sites, some of which are perfect for kids and kids at heart!
As the biggest city in Kansas, Wichita is a great place to visit with the whole family since it offers endless opportunities for both fun and learning.
Here are the 15 best things to do with kids in Wichita, Kansas:
mojoeks / Shutterstock.com
Prepare to meet tigers, giraffes, and many other animals from different habitats at the Sedgwick County Zoo!
Situated on Zoo Boulevard, the Sedgwick County Zoo is the seventh biggest zoo in the United States.
This facility is home to over 3,000 animals from almost 400 species roaming around the zoo’s vast 250-acre land.
You and your kids will have a grand time exploring the zoo and seeing all the different animals!
mojoeks / Shutterstock.com
Climb aboard the Martha C. Buford Safari Express and tour the whole facility while riding a train!
You can also meet giraffes as you feed them right from your hands.
If you want to witness large animals trotting about, you can also visit the Elephant Exhibit and watch the majestic creatures interact with each other.
A visit to this zoo guarantees a fun-filled day for everyone in the family!
Jessbydesigns / Shutterstock.com
FUBAR007, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Mid-America All-Indian Museum is an excellent learning opportunity on the history and culture of Native American Indians.
If you and your kids love to watch films or television series that feature Native Americans, a visit to this center is a must so you can learn about how they lived.
This facility is located on Seneca Street and features numerous exhibits that display artifacts related to the Native American Indian tribes.
You can find a museum with antique Native American items and artworks here.
They also offer educational programs where you and your kids can learn more about the story of these tribes and how valuable their contributions were to the city.
There is also a gallery of nations where you can discover more about powwows and maybe even witness one!
You can also explore the gift shop and purchase jewelry, clothing, and other gifts you can take home to your loved ones.
If you explore Mid-America All-Indian Museum, you might even see The Keeper of the Plains, an iconic 44-foot sculpture that reflects the brotherhood of Native Americans.
Starlite Drive-In offers an extraordinary movie-watching experience that your kids will love.
This drive-in is located on South Hydraulic Avenue and opened in 1953.
Originally called The Rainbow Drive-In, Starlite Drive-In offers screenings of different films that you can watch and enjoy while sitting in the comfort of your own car.
With the unique movie experience, you don’t need to worry about noise or uncomfortable seats!
Schedule your visit depending on the film they’re screening by checking out their website for information on movie schedules.
If you get hungry while watching, you can come to their concession stand and order from a wide range of classic movies snacks, including cheeseburgers, hot dogs, popcorn, and even funnel cakes.
Since you’ll be staying inside your car, you can even bring your own snacks, including some of the ones you purchased from Nifty Nut House!
Try to arrive earlier than the showtime to ensure your entire family has a good seat and a great viewing experience!
Museumworldtreasures, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Discover different intriguing treasures and artifacts from cultures all over the globe at the Museum of World Treasures.
The Museum of World Treasures on 1st Street was established in 2001 in hopes of offering visitors a glimpse into the history of the world.
With three floors of exciting exhibits and numerous intriguing displays, this is the perfect place for history buffs and kids who love learning about the past.
From the crusty bones of mighty Jurrasic creatures and Egyptian mummies to Samurai Armor and Weapons from World Wars, you can find many excellent artifacts here.
Bendianajones, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
There are also documents, artworks, and home decor with historical significance on display.
Your kids will enjoy exploring the Fossil Gallery and Sea Creatures of the Plain exhibits here!
You can also join educational programs to learn more about the artifacts in the museum.
The Museum of World Treasures provides not only an excellent educational experience but also a lot of fun for both you and your kids!
Wildcat313, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Danita Delimont / Shutterstock.com
Experience what life was like in Wichita in 1865 at Old Cowtown Museum!
It is a living history museum located on Museum Boulevard that will let you fully immerse yourself in a Midwestern Cattle Town.
This is a great place to take your kids if you want them to discover more about the American West.
Many exhibits and buildings have been restored to look like they did in the 1800s.
Barbara Kalbfleisch / Shutterstock.com
Among the buildings you can explore are a blacksmith shop, print shop, general store, and even a jail.
There is also a saloon where you can stop by for a snack.
Not only will your kids be able to explore the buildings, but interpreters are also available to answer any questions about life in the American West.
Old Cowtown Museum is ideal for taking many photos, so bring your camera!
Sedgwick County Park on 21st Street is a popular destination for outdoor fun due to its expansive grounds and the plethora of activities you can enjoy.
The park has several play areas, a pond, walking trails, and a Boundless Playground.
The Boundless Playground is an inclusive playground that offers a variety of activities for all children to enjoy, regardless of mobility.
The playground has ramps, swings, and monkey bars accessible to all kids.
This playground is one of a kind and provides an excellent experience for kids who need more stimulation than other playgrounds can offer.
Sedgwick County Park also offers hikers and bikers beautiful, scenic views of the city to enjoy with their families.
This is the perfect spot to keep active or spend quality time with your whole family.
If you and your kids are thrill-seekers, you must visit All Star Adventures!
As one of the top family fun centers in the city, All Star Adventures offers numerous attractions and amusement rides that are all appropriate for younger kids!
Located on Webb Road, this facility houses fun rides your kids can enjoy, like the Kiddie Copters and Kiddie Coaster.
There is even a Dragon Coaster—a bigger rollercoaster—if your kids are up for some challenge.
You can also bond with your kids while riding on the Swing Ride.
If you or your children are not fans of amusement park rides, don’t worry; there are other attractions you can try in this facility.
Teach your kids the basics of golf at the miniature golf course.
You can also race with them at the Go Karts area or knock pins down at the Bowling area.
There are endless opportunities for a fun day with your kids at All Star Adventures!
Test your bowling skills and attempt to knock down all the pins at The Alley Indoor Entertainment three times in a row.
Located on 13th Street, this establishment offers several exciting activities you and your whole family can enjoy without going outdoors.
The facility houses top-notch bowling lanes where you can compete with your loved ones in a friendly bowling match.
Your kids can also try to knock down pins because bumpers are available for each lane!
If you’re into more thrilling activities, you can race with your loved ones at the indoor electric go-kart facility inside The Alley Indoor Entertainment.
There is also an arcade area where you can play classic arcade games, like basketball and air hockey.
If you get hungry, you don’t have to leave and go to a restaurant because there is also a Sports Grill within the premises.
Let your kids play and run around as you relax and unwind under the shade of the tall trees at Central Riverside Park.
Situated on Nims Street, Central Riverside Park is a large open space that spans more than 50 acres of land.
Apart from luscious greenery, this park also boasts several historic sites and fun amenities.
You can explore the park and visit the Kansas Wildlife Exhibit to see rare wildlife species and learn how to preserve their habitats.
You can also follow the walking trail and try to find the statue that depicts a soldier from the Spanish-American War.
There are also other sculptures, like The Solar Calendar, that you can find within the park.
While you explore or rest on one of the many picnic tables within the park, your kids can run around the playground with a sand surface.
They can also cool off and play at the Celebration Plaza, a splash pad area with interactive fountains.
Relive your childhood while letting your kids enjoy theirs at The Arcade!
The Arcade is an establishment on Mead Street that houses a large collection of vintage arcade games.
Whether you played arcade games in the 1970s, 1980s, or 1990s, you will find a machine here that will make you miss the times when life was simpler!
Challenge your friends and family to classic 1980s games like Pac-Man, Dig Dug, and more.
You can also unleash your inner fighter and play retro 1990s games like Primal Rage, Mortal Kombat, and Street Fighter.
There are also themed pinball machines you and your kids can play on.
Rack up high scores as you play on machines with Star Wars, Hook, and Addam’s Family theme!
Splash around and cool off from the heat at Splash Aqua Park!
Splash Aqua Park is a facility along Steeple Bay Parkway that features a series of slides, runways, and jumping areas on lake waters.
It also has ramps, swings, trampolines, and other play areas that are all connected to each other, forming an obstacle course.
You and your kids can experience can have fun running on the inflatable surface while trying to conquer the obstacle courses this aqua park offers!
Don’t worry about failing the obstacle courses and falling off the surface because you’d just be landing on the clear, clean lake it is on.
Bring your swimsuits and reserve your energy because you will have the best time running around this unique course!
Nagel Photography / Shutterstock.com
Stimulate your kids’ curiosity when you visit Exploration Place!
Located on McLean Boulevard along the scenic Arkansas River, Exploration Place is Kansas’ top science center.
This facility strives to inspire future generations of engineers and scientists through fun and interactive science exhibits.
Let your kids wander around and play with exhibits focusing on aviation, geography, and landmarks.
Bryan_Smith / Shutterstock.com
You and your children will also be able to discover more about certain parts of history and the significant scientific milestones achieved during that time.
Exhibits inspired by the Medieval era are also available in the area.
You can also check out a permanent exhibit showing Kansas state through miniature objects.
Exploration Center guarantees a hands-on and memorable scientific experience for your whole family!
Kit Leong / Shutterstock.com
FUBAR007, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Step into a world of captivating artwork and stunning creations when you visit Wichita Art Museum.
Situated on Museum Boulevard, Wichita Art Museum houses an exceptional collection of artworks by national artists.
You can check out and take pictures of breathtaking paintings, majestic sculptures, and intriguing photographs here.
Seeing all the beautiful works of art at this museum will inspire you to create your own, and when it happens, you can head to one of the museum’s spaces and unleash your creative thoughts!
Check out The Living Room, a space within the museum filled with tables and chairs where you can bond with your family, relax, and even create artwork.
If you’re lucky, you might be able to join one of their regular programs and participate in a creative activity with your kids.
Whether you and your kids are outdoor enthusiasts, toy train collectors, or adrenaline junkies, there is something fun that you can do together in Wichita.
Keep these best things to do with kids in Wichita, Kansas, on your to-do list the next time you visit the city.
Start planning your exciting family trip to this picturesque city today!
Discover the world.
© All rights reserved.
