Planning a visit to Kansas? Set aside time in your itinerary to explore all the best things to do in Wichita. The largest city in the Sunflower State, Wichita offers travelers a wealth of family-friendly points of interest, making it a fantastic stop on any Midwest road trip.
Brimming with exciting excursions for the whole family, the top tourist attractions in Wichita include botanical gardens, museums, art galleries, and world-class architecture. With so much to see & do, you may even struggle to fit all of it into one visit!
Not sure what to see & do? Let us help you plan the ultimate Kansas trip with this handy guide to the coolest places to visit in Wichita, KS!
Got more travel plans on the horizon? Check out all our other attractions guides and our United States Travel Guide for more ideas on where to go, when to visit & what to do!
Why Treksplorer? Founded in 2011 by Ryan O’Rourke, Treksplorer provides travel recommendations and advice to millions of readers every year. Our content is rooted in our writers’ firsthand experiences, in-depth research, and/or collaborations with other experts and locals. Read more about our editorial policy.
Sedgwick County Zoo
Looking to spot some of the fiercest and most beautiful animals on the planet? Grab your friends and family and head to the wonderful Sedgwick County Zoo.
Located in the heart of one of Wichita’s most beloved green spaces, Sedgwick Park, the expansive Sedgwick County Zoo is home to over 3,000 animals, including African lions, elephants, lynx, and Amur tigers. Wander around to visit the animal habitats, take part in interactive exhibits, join a tour and learn something new!
Bonus tip: If you’re visiting Wichita on Earth Day, you can benefit from half-price entry all day long. (After all, conservation and protecting our wildlife is key!)
Botanica, The Wichita Gardens
Consider yourself green-thumbed? Check out Botanica, The Wichita Gardens, and get lost in this natural paradise sitting in the Wichita city center.
This beautiful 17.6-acre botanical garden is filled with vibrant and verdant plant life from all around the world. Looking to interact with some delightful wildlife? Head to the butterfly garden and wander in pure amazement as they drift around your head.
Traveling with the kiddos? Botanica, The Wichita Gardens has a whole host of family-friendly activities, including face painting, story time sessions, scavenger hunts, and more! This top-rated Wichita attraction is a must-see if you’re visiting Kansas with the whole family.
Exploration Place
Looking for a science museum that puts you and your kids front and center? Head to Exploration Place and discover all the wonderful things that the world of science has to offer!
This unique and exciting science museum has a potent mix of temporary and permanent exhibits, making each visit a completely different experience. From hands-on exhibits teaching you about the human body to super dogs to their giant cinema-based Harry Potter exhibit, you’ll be spoiled for choice at Exploration Place.
Need somewhere to entertain and inspire the kiddos for a few days? Exploration Place also runs science and discovery camps of varying lengths for different age ranges.
Old Cowtown Museum
Want to know what life in Kansas was like back in the 1870s? Step back into history at the Old Cowtown Museum and find out!
Wander around this living history museum and discover firsthand how people lived back in the late-19th century in the Midwestern United States. With Old Cowtown Museum’s location next to the Arkansas River, you might just experience a rousing visit from the River City Renegades during their immersive show!
At the replica cattle town, it’s easy to forget that you’re just steps away from the modern city of Wichita. Get yourself back to simpler times and reflect on how far we’ve come since the 1870s.
Museum of World Treasures
If you’re a bit of a history buff, you’ll definitely want to add the Museum of World Treasures to your Wichita itinerary.
Get awe-inspired by centuries of world history, ranging from the dinosaurs to the Berlin Wall to a genuine shrunken head. Surprising and exciting exhibits sit around each and every corner, making a visit to the Museum of World Treasures a true highlight of your Wichita visit.
Interested in something a little different? The Museum of World Treasures also hosts plenty of special events, including the Party in Asgard Gala, a discounted entry on Customer Appreciation Day, and more!
The Keeper of the Plains
Love Native American art, or just a fan of giant, beautiful statues? Either way, The Keeper of the Plains is an absolute must-visit during your trip to Wichita.
Located in Veterans Memorial Park, this 40-foot Cor-Ten steel sculpture stands tall, keeping watch over the confluence of the Arkansas River and Little Arkansas River. Created by Kiowa-Comanche artist Blackbear Bosin, the Keeper of the Plains represents the brotherhood of Native Americans and the confluence of all the communities of the Plains.
Spend some time gazing up and appreciating not just the artistry but the powerful and beautiful message behind The Keeper of the Plains statue.
Wichita Art Museum
Looking to get your fill of culture and art? Head to the Wichita Art Museum and spend a relaxing day perusing works by some of the finest artists around.
The Wichita Art Museum is home to over 7,000 pieces; it won’t take long to find a new favorite and feel renewed. Choose from an array of permanent exhibits, temporary works, or even special events.
Traveling with the whole family? The Wichita Art Museum has special hands-on, interactive exhibits for younger visitors, where they can unleash their inner artist and really get inspired.
If you’re thinking of visiting Wichita over the weekend, it’s worth knowing that The Wichita Art Museum is free to all visitors on Saturdays!
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Allen House
A fan of architecture? Love quirky designs? Or perhaps your one true love is snooping around other people’s houses? Whatever the reason, a visit to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Allen House is a must while in Wichita!
Designed by the world-famous architect in 1915 for the Governor of Kansas, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Allen House is a beautiful example of a prairie-style home. Filled to the brim with furniture designed by Wright himself, the home is a design lover’s paradise.
It’s worth knowing that self-guided tours of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Allen House are not permitted; you’ll need to book yourself onto a tour in advance at the official website as slots are timed.
Great Plains Nature Center
Want to learn more about the role nature plays in our daily lives and what we can do to protect it? Head down to the Great Plains Nature Center to find out more.
Surrounded by the gorgeous 282-acre Chisholm Creek Park, the Great Plains Nature Center is a tranquil oasis in the heart of Wichita. Attend talks and tours by natural experts, learn about the flora and fauna of the area, or jump in and get involved with interactive exhibits.
Need to get outdoors after all that learning? Hit the 2.7-mile nature trail and put that newfound knowledge into practice; you never know what gorgeous wildlife you might discover along the way!
Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum
Looking to learn more about the local area and the history behind Wichita? Venture over to the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum and discover something new!
Located in the old Wichita City Hall, the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the local area. Perusing the museum’s four floors, you’ll find plenty to see & do, learning something new with each exhibit.
If you’re trying to plan your visit to the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum, please remember that it’s closed on Mondays. Every other day is fine, though; it’s open from 11 am to 4 pm Tuesday to Friday and from 1 pm to 5 pm on weekends.
Kansas Aviation Museum
Look to the skies with this top Wichita tourist attraction! The Kansas Aviation Museum is a sure-fire hit with visitors, both young and old, looking to discover more about the state’s exciting aviation history.
Everything about the Kansas Aviation Museum, located in the old Wichita Municipal Airport Terminal, is on brand, with aviation in mind. From old planes to memorabilia to groundbreaking engineering, you’ll find something that strikes a chord with you at this specialist museum.
Trying to nail the details of your Wichita itinerary? Factor in that the Kansas Aviation Museum is closed on Mondays; plan ahead to avoid being disappointed!
Mid-America All-Indian Center
Want to learn more about a new culture right in the center of Wichita? Pencil in a visit to the Mid-America All-Indian Center on your next trip to Wichita.
Located next to the Keeper of the Plains statue, the Mid-America All-Indian Center is an important museum dedicated to preserving the history, traditions, and cultures of the region’s Native people.
With a series of permanent and rotating art and history exhibits, as well as informative and entertaining lectures and workshops, your visit to the Mid-America All-Indian Center can be as interactive as you want to be.
Enjoy the beautiful and vibrant artwork and storytelling while learning more about the history of the Native American people. It’s the perfect stop for the whole family!
Douglas Design District
Are you a fan of all things design and trendsetting? Well then, the Douglas Design District will be the ideal place to spend the entire day in Wichita.
All along Douglas Avenue, you’ll find independent shops, boutiques, cafes, and bakeries alongside dedicated home design stores. Pick up a souvenir (or three!), get inspired for your next project, or just wander around the Douglas Design District to soak up the artsy vibe.
All that shopping and browsing got you working up a thirst? Check out one of the local breweries: Hopping Gnome and Central Standard Brewery are firm local favorites!
Intrust Bank Arena
Coming to Wichita to see something special? Or just want to see what events are happening in Wichita while you’re there? Chances are that you’re going to be heading to the Intrust Bank Arena.
Seating over 15,000 people, Intrust Bank Arena is the second largest venue in the whole of the city. The arena is home to the Wichita Thunder ice hockey team. One of the most popular things to do in Wichita is to get a front-row seat to all the action, grab a hot dog and a drink, and watch the chaos unfold!
Not interested in attending a hockey game? The Intrust Bank Arena also hosts world-famous music acts and concerts, including Ice Cube, Reba McEntire, and Keith Urban. Check with your hotel concierge for the events schedule, or click here to find out more.
Veterans Memorial Park
Looking to get back in touch with nature while also commemorating those who fought and died for our country? Check out the beautiful and serene Veterans Memorial Park.
Spanning four and a half acres of land, Veterans Memorial Park features seven different memorials and is a peaceful place to wander around for a few hours. Located on the east bank of the Arkansas River in Downtown Wichita, it’s a calming outdoor activity spot for the whole family.
With several trails winding between the memorials, you’ll find yourself spending more time in this beautiful and reverent park than you think.
Tired after all that walking? Don’t worry: You can find plenty of benches around the park to sit and take a breather.
Nifty Nut House
Want to get off the beaten path and go to an obscure Wichita institution? Head to the Nifty Nut House and grab yourself a delicious bulk-buy bargain.
A quirky favorite among locals and tourists alike, the Nifty Nut House has been going since 1937, with no signs of slowing down! As the name suggests, the Nifty Nut House sells a huge selection of nuts and seeds. The store also sells a huge variety of candy and chocolate to cater to everyone’s tastes.
Visiting Wichita during the holidays, Easter or Halloween? During these candy-rich holidays, the Nifty Nut House gets a bit crazy with its decor and wide range of tasty treats.
Tanganyika Wildlife Park
Looking for an interactive and family-friendly day trip from Wichita? Then you’re going to love the Tanganyika Wildlife Park.
Named the most interactive wildlife park in the Midwest, Tanganyika Wildlife Park gives you the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the best creatures in the animal kingdom. One of their headline experiences? It’s the only place in the US where you can dive and swim with penguins; that’s a memory that’ll last a lifetime!
Each entry ticket to Tanganyika Wildlife Park includes a token for an animal encounter, choosing from 10 different options. For more in-depth interactions and experiences with the animals, including swimming with penguins, you’ll need to book an additional experience.
