Wichita KS Will Surprise You – 30+ Things To Do in the Air Capitol

Are you planning to visit Wichita, Kansas? If you’ve never been, you might be pleasantly surprised to find so many things to do in Wichita — there’s plenty to choose from to plan your itinerary for your trip! Whether you’re into history, animals, science, nature, or the arts, there are fun things to do in Wichita KS for every type of traveler.

I went to Wichita in early October, which is a great time to go. The weather was still warm, with people wearing shorts while walking out and about, making it a nice time to explore the city. It can be cooler indoors, so don’t forget to bring some layers.

A little bit about Wichita… Wichita is known as the “Air Capital of the World” because it is a hub for aircraft manufacturing. Did you know that 35% of all general aviation planes in the United States are delivered from Kansas? Who knew! Because of this, you’ll see aviation themed attractions in Wichita, most notably the Kansas Aviation Museum, and some aviation playground structures coming to Exploration Place.

Another fun fact is that Wichita is the birthplace of Pizza Hut, founded by brothers Dan and Frank Carney. There’s a little museum dedicated to it that you can visit. White Castle was also started in Wichita, Kansas, but has since moved its headquarters to Columbus, Ohio.

Wichita is also known for its vibrant performing arts scene. If you have time, be sure to watch a show with Musical Theatre Wichita, or a show at Orpheum Theatre or Crown Uptown Theatre. You’ll be sure to enjoy the musical theater talent that resides in Wichita.

You can watch a short video of some of the things I did in Wichita during my trip:

Of course, there is so much more that Wichita has to offer — from its food scene, museums, events and festivals, history, arts, sporting events, concerts, and beautiful parks and gardens — that I won’t be able to cover all in this list, but these are the top things to do in Wichita to explore on your next trip!

Here’s a map of all the attractions listed below to make it easier to plan out your itinerary:

Thanks to Visit Wichita for hosting many of the attractions in this list at the TBEX conference.

1. Sedgwick County Zoo

Sedgwick County Zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals from around the world. Its most popular exhibit is the African Elephant exhibit right now because four baby elephants were born this year! Be sure to stop by to take a look!

You can also go on a boat ride inside the zoo to see the elephants of the Zambezi River Valley.

If you are traveling to Wichita between October and December, you may see the Wild Lights event that is on display at Sedgwick County Zoo.

In the evening, you can walk around and see all the lit-up installations. It’s quite a sight to see!

2. Botanica, The Wichita Gardens

Botanica, The Wichita Gardens, is 17-acres of gardens, fountains, and seasonal displays. There is a butterfly garden, a Shakespeare Garden, and changing seasonal floral sculptures. Enjoy a peaceful walk amidst the flowers, have kids ride a carousel, and enjoy the beautiful landscaping.

3. Exploration Place

Exploration Place is a hands-on science museum located along the Arkansas River that is great for kids to explore. There are aviation exhibits with flight simulators, a miniature display of Kansas, a Dome theater, special exhibits, and many special events.

Currently under construction is the outdoor Playscape that includes an Amphitheater, the Textron Aviation Flight Adventure with unique aviation-themed playground structures, the Water Play Cascades with an epic water play area, and Sunflower Meadow, designed for younger children.

This new Playscape is coming in March 2026. If you have kids, mark your calendars to plan your visit.

See a video preview of some of the coming playground attractions:

4. Tanganyika Wildlife Park

Tanganyika Wildlife Park is located about 20 minutes outside of downtown Wichita and is a place for animal lovers to interact directly with animals such as giraffes, penguins, lemurs, baby kangaroos, capybaras, and even have a chance to meet Chewy the sloth!

You can also meet the newest baby hippo, Mars, who has recently gone viral on TikTok. He’s really cute!

5. The Keeper of the Plains & Riverfront Plaza

The iconic Keeper of the Plains statue is located on Wichita’s riverfront. Visit during sunset to watch the Ring of Fire lighting that happens every night for 15 minutes.

6. Boat Ride on the Arkansas River

There are boat rides and kayaks you can rent to take on the Arkansas River, near the Keeper of the Plains sculpture, which is another way to explore the city.

Ride on a pontoon with ICT River Rides or rent a kayak, stand-up paddle boat, or a pedal boat from Boats and Bikes. They also offer bikes, scooters, and trikes to explore the bike trail and riverwalk.

7. Old Cowtown Museum

Old Cowtown Museum takes you back to the 1860s in this historical museum where you’ll be able to see vintage buildings, horse-drawn wagons, and even interact with costumed people who bring history to life. It will take you back to Kansas’ Wild West!

8. Wichita Art Museum

Wichita Art Museum has an impressive collection of American Art with over 10,000 artworks – everything from classical to contemporary. You’ll see a large Dale Chihuly glass piece called “Confetti Chandelier,” and art from other famous artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Edward Hopper, and more.

Entrance to the Wichita Art Museum is free on Saturdays. Be sure to stop by the Art Garden, located along the Little Arkansas River, which can be accessed anytime.

9. Museum of World Treasures

Inside Museum of World Treasures, you’ll find unique artifacts from around the world, from dinosaur fossils to real Egyptian mummies, and historical items, such as real artifacts from World War II. There’s a lot to see! There’s even a play area for kids on the third floor that your kids will enjoy.

10. Kansas Aviation Museum

The Kansas Aviation Museum is located in Wichita’s original airport terminal from 1935 with its old control tower still overlooking the airfield. Go inside to see vintage planes, flight simulators, and climb vintage control towers, and interact with exhibits. Here, you’ll learn why Wichita is called the “Air Capital of the World.” It’s a must stop for aviation enthusiasts.

11. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Allen House

Visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Allen House to see this beautifully preserved Prairie-style home, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1915. There are guided tours that will tell you more about his design philosophy, different elements of the architecture of the home, and personal stories of the Allen family that used to live there. Public guided tours are available Tues – Sat.

12. Visit Old Town in Wichita

Wichita’s Old Town is an area of town that is filled with restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. Once an area filled with warehouses in the 19th-century, it is now converted into an area where you can enjoy walking around to the rustic charm of original brick streets while trying some local restaurants, enjoying live music at venues like The Brickyard, or exploring nearby museums, like Museum of World Treasures or the Great Plains Transportation Museum.

13. The Original Pizza Hut Museum

Visit the Pizza Hut Museum, the birthplace of Pizza Hut, located at Wichita State University. It was started by two brothers, Dan and Frank Carney, both Wichita students, in 1958. Inside, you can find memorabilia from the original Pizza Hut and learn all about the entrepreneurs and how they started Pizza Hut with just $600. The museum is open Mon – Fri from 8 am to 5 pm and admission is free.

14. Visit Nifty Nut House

Nifty Nut House is a treasure trove of a huge assortment of nuts, candies, chocolates, dried fruits, and snack items. It’s been around since 1937 and still feels like a retro candy shop. Enjoy everything from chocolate-covered pistacios to taffy and so much more. Your most difficult decision may be what you will decide to take home!

15. Cocoa Dolce

Cocoa Dolce is a local favorite for handcrafted chocolates, truffles, and desserts, created right on-site in their chocolate factory! You can order your choice of dessert to eat inside the café with coffee or a glass of wine, or order some to go. Try unique and seasonal flavors of their artisan chocolates – there’s many to choose from. The chocolates are so beautiful that it’ll feel like a special treat.

16. Karg Art Glass

Karg Art Glass is a glass studio and gallery, located just outside of Wichita in Kechi, Kansas, where you can purchase beautiful hand-blown creations by local artists – everything from small ornaments to statement art pieces. You can blow your own ornament, egg, or paperweight on weekends to have your own glass-blowing experience!

17. Ulrich Museum of Art

The Ulrich Museum of Art is located on the Wichita State University campus and has rotating modern and contemporary art exhibitions and an outdoor sculpture collection with 89 works spread across the Wichita State University campus. You can find about 7,000 works of art from from famous artists like Andy Warhol, along with art from local and regional artists. Admission is free.

18. Mark Arts

Mark Arts is an arts center that features art exhibits, classes, galleries, and special events, and is a hub for Wichita’s thriving art scene. Enjoy taking a look at the art gallery and the sculpture garden that surrounds the center.

You can also take a cooking class, a painting class, or even a pottery wheel-throwing class. I took a cooking class while in Wichita, and had a lot of fun learning about the global cuisines of Wichita.

19. Watch Music Theatre Wichita

Musical Theatre Wichita is nationally recognized for its professional-level summer productions. You can watch a Broadway-style show with Musical Theatre Wichita at the Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center (the blue-domed building) if they have a show playing during the time you’re visiting.

20. Mid-America All-Indian Museum

The Mid-America All-Indian Museum is located near the Keeper of the Plains and showcases Native American heritage and art. Exhibits feature artwork from American Indian artists, Native American artifacts, traditional crafts, and more. You can also learn about the artist, Blackbear Bosin, who created the Keeper of the Plains statue.

21. Wichita Sedgwick County Historical Museum

Wichita Sedgwick County Historical Museum is located in Wichita’s original City Hall building and tells the story of Wichita’s history, growing from a frontier settlement into Kansas’s Largest city. From early pioneer life, the Wichita Indian tribe (which the city is named after), to cowboys and the beginning of aviation, there’s a lot to explore over the 4 floors of this museum.

22. Wichita Toy Train Museum

The Wichita Toy Train Museum is a must-visit for train enthusiasts. Watch little trains zip around through different villages, see different train memorabilia, and browse the gift shop.

23. Kansas Firefighters Museum

The Kansas Firefighters Museum is housed in a restored 1909 firehouse and honors the Kansas firefighters. It’s a small museum where you can see antique fire trucks, firefighting memorabilia, and learn about the history of firefighters.

The Kansas Firefighters Museum was once a horse-drawn fire station, Engine House No. 6, that began service in 1910 with two firehorses, four firefighters, and a combination hose and chemical wagon. In 1918, the firehouse became the first motorized fire department in the U.S. This little firehouse has a rich history and was preserved, thanks to an organization that was formed, called Friends of Engine House No. 6, that brought people together to restore this old firehouse to its former glory.

24. Great Plains Transportation Museum

The Great Plains Transportation Museum is located downtown and is dedicated to Kansas rail history. Inside, you can see exhibits that showcase railroad artifacts, the history of Kansas rail, railroad artwork, a bell you can ring, and even a miniature Wichita from the late 1800s.

Outside, you can climb up into trains to explore baggage cars and cabooses. It’s a fun experience for train enthusiasts to watch trains go by that run on the tracks next to the display trains.

25. INTRUST Bank Arena

The INTRUST Bank Arena, located downtown, hosts major sporting events, big concerts, and even touring Broadway shows, ice shows, or monster truck shows in its modern arena. Check the schedule to see if you might be in town during a game or show! With its convenient location, you can also grab drinks or dinner nearby.

26. Equity Bank Park & Wichita Baseball Museum

Equity Bank Park is a state-of-the-art, modern baseball park and home to the Wichita Wind Surge. Located on the west bank of the Arkansas River, it hosts everything from football and soccer games, concerts, corporate trade shows, and even weddings and graduations.

To watch a Wichita Wind Surge game, find games and tickets here.

Be sure to visit the Wichita Baseball Museum which is open Mon – Fri from 9 am – 5 pm. Admission is free.

27. Veterans’ Memorial Park

Wichita Veterans Memorial Park is located near the Keeper of the Plains, across the river from Exploration Place. You can pay tribute to those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces in 6 different wars, including Vietnam, Korea, and World War II. There are 18 memorials within the Wichita Veterans Memorial Park with monuments, sculptures, and quiet spaces to take a stroll.

28. Eat at some of Wichita’s restaurants

Wichita’s restaurant scene has something for everyone. Take your pick from comfort food,

Lottē is an upscale restaurant that specializes in seafood and steaks, along with other unique dishes, such as lamb, suckling pig, pan-seared barramundi, and shareable bites. They source their ingredients from their rooftop garden and local farms for a freshness you can really taste. You won’t be disappointed.

If you’re looking for a breakfast spot, try HomeGrown Wichita, known for its locally sourced ingredients and serving menu items such as pancakes, biscuits and gravy, French toast, homemade Pop-Tarts, and more.

Doo-Dah Diner is another breakfast spot, a Kansas classic, known for its quirky Kansas charm and made-from-scratch breakfasts. Try the banana bread, biscuits and gravy, and free monkey bread!

If you love sushi like me, try Wasabi Hinkaku. It’s a highly rated sushi restaurant with fresh fish and delicious, creative rolls – the best in the city. Noodles, fried rice, and cooked bentos are also available. Sushi and bento specials are available for lunch if you go during the week.

For a unique place to grab a coffee, cocktail, or mocktail, head over to Grow Plant Bar, where you can create your own terrarium or plant arrangement and browse their boutique plant shop.

Other options for food in Wichita:

• Kansas is famous for barbecue, so you might want to try some tender briskets and ribs with smoky, sweet-savory sauces while you’re visiting. Here are some popular places for BBQ:
  
  • Station 8 BBQ – located in an old fire station, creating a unique atmostphere
  • B&C Barbeque – buffet-style barbecue that serves brisket, ribs, and pulled pork
  • Bite Me BBQ – serves generous portions of ribs, brisket, and smoked prime rib
  • Pig In Pig Out – a casual barbecue restaurant that serves smoked meats and sandwiches
    
• Did you know that Wichita is the birthplace of White Castle? It was founded in 1921 here, and the city still serves burgers here founded on that legacy. Some favorites are:
  
  • The Belmont – an upscale restaurant that serves burgers and more
  • Tor Brewing – renowned for its SMASH Burger
  • Ty’s Diner – serving burgers since the 50s

Wichita is also known for its global cuisine, and in particular, the Vietnamese, Lebanese, and Mexican food that was brought to Wichita by immigrants. Try Pho at a Vietnamese restaurant, Lebanese and Mediterranean food, or Mexican food while you’re in town. There are many restaurants to choose from that will bring you authentic flavors.

29. Visit Naftzger Park

Naftzger Park is Wichita’s modern urban green space that is used for concerts, markets, and festivals. It is surrounded by restaurants and cafes, including HomeGrown Wichita, mentioned above.

Union Station Plaza is located nearby, showcasing beautifully restored architecture from Wichita’s railroad past. This is the building next to Union Station and has a few places to check out inside.

30. Orpheum Theatre

The Orpheum Theatre is a historic venue that opened in 1922 and is a non-profit center where you can watch concerts, films, and theatre productions. Check to see upcoming events to see if there’s a show during your trip.

31. Crown Uptown Theatre

Crown Uptown Theatre is a theatre with an intimate setting with tables and chairs that offers Broadway-style musicals, comedy acts, and more. Check to see if there’s an upcoming show you can watch here.

32. Visit an Art Gallery

Mid-America Fine Arts displays art from Mid-American artists. Enjoy seeing art by local artists, and you might even find something you’d like to purchase to take home. This place is known for its large selection of art at great prices.

Maven Gallery is a new gallery in Wichita with a curated exhibit for photography. If you love fine art photography, stop by and take a look.

33. Go Horseback Riding at Diamond Spring Ranch

Located just north of the city, Diamond Spring Ranch offers horseback riding through wooded trails and pastures. Take a ride during sunset to see beautiful views!

34. Mosely Street Melodrama

Mosely Street Melodrama offers live entertainment with a show only or with dinner included. Watch a kitschy musical or a comedy and enjoy an evening out with good food, drinks, and desserts.

35. Get a Custom Hat Fitted For You

At Hatman Jack’s, you can get a custom hat fitted just for you! This shop is a mainstay of Wichita, with so many different types of hats to choose from. Stop by and take home a hat souvenir!

Hatman Jack’s is located in Wichita’s Historic Delano District. Take a walk around this area to see Delaon’s clock tower, along with many shops and restaurants.

36. Gallery Alley & Douglas Design District

Gallery Alley is a walkable corridor with sculptures and public art, making it a great photo stop. Explore the unique art created by local artists and organizations and see it at night, when it’s all lit up.

The broader area is called the Douglas Design District, which is filled with murals, boutiques, and restaurants. Take in the creative spirit of Wichita and take a photo with one of the many murals in the area! Here’s a map of all the murals in Wichita.

Where to Stay in Wichita

If you are looking for a place to stay in downtown Wichita, below are some of the hotels I considered.

• If you want a luxury hotel located in downtown Wichita, Ambassador Hotel Wichita is the top choice.

• Just down the street is the recently opened AC Hotel Wichita Downtown if you are looking for an upscale hotel with a modern vibe.

Hyatt Regency Wichita

I ended up staying at the Hyatt Regency Wichita because that is where an event I was attending was being held. It was nice to have a beautiful view of Wichita from my hotel room. The photo at the very top of this blog post was that view. The riverwalk was located right next to the hotel, making it easy to take a walk along the river, which is really nice.

Rooms were remodeled, so I had a nice modern room. Parking is $15/day to self-park.

Old Town Hotel

If you want to stay in Old Town, within walking distance to restaurants, shops, and other attractions, the Old Town Hotel is a great option.

Here are other hotel options in the area:

Getting Around

Getting Around By Car

Driving around Wichita is very easy, and if you’re staying at a hotel, there will be hotel parking for overnight parking. I drove around the city and found street parking fairly easily throughout the city.

Rental Car

If you are flying in and need a rental car, you can use Discover Cars for a car rental. If you’ve never used Discover Cars, it’s a website that aggregates results from over 1000+ car rental suppliers to bring you the best price that can sometimes be found through negotiated discounted rates from suppliers.

Bike Share

While driving around, I noticed bikes that can be rented with Bike Share ICT. You can rent a bike by downloading the Motvatic app and entering the bike’s ID number to unlock it. It’s another easy way to explore the city.

And that wraps up this list with things to do in Wichita! As you can see, there are lots of things to do in Wichita, and many more you’ll discover as you explore the city. Whether you’re visiting for work or play, I hope you have a fun time during your visit to Wichita!

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