Spring and fall in Wichita are the perfect times to spread out your favorite red checkered blanket in the grass for a picnic and enjoy the fresh air, flowers and sunshine. With more than 125 parks and greenways covering nearly 5,000 acres and more than 200 days of sunshine per year, you are sure to find a great place to picnic in the Heart of the Country
Keeper of the Plains Plaza
Pull up a spot in the shade near the Keeper of the Plains. The area around Wichita’s most iconic landmark features walking paths, a beautiful river view and Veteran’s Memorial Park. Within walking distance are Wichita’s Museums on the River, with the Mid-America All-Indian Museum and Exploration Place being the closest. Exploration Park, complete with playground equipment and plenty of picnic tables, is also in the area. Plenty of carryout dining options are nearby in the Historic Delano District, such as Mokas Café and The Monarch.
O.J. Watson Park
Grab burgers from The Rusty Nail and head to O.J. Watson Park, an ideal location for a family picnic. This park has more than 100 picnic tables and open shelters, a campfire circle and charcoal grills for rent. Additionally, it features free and fee-based activities to keep the entire family entertained, including three children’s playgrounds, fishing, miniature golf, a train ride, pedal boats, kayaks and pony rides. Seasons Venue, a gathering space for up to 100 people, can be found at this park as well. Discover other options for venues, gazebos and open shelters at Wichita parks.
Naftgzer Park
Whether you want to bring your own food or grab a delicious carryout meal or dessert from a nearby downtown eatery, Naftgzer Park is an ideal place for a picnic with plenty of seating and turf to sprawl a blanket out. Places to grab a beverage or bite in the area include Cocoa Dolce Chocolates, HomeGrown Wichita, Espresso To Go Go, The Kitchen, Old Mill Tasty Shop and Paradise Donuts-Old Town.
Riverside Park
Riverside Park is a must-picnic park with large open areas along the Arkansas River where you can enjoy the view of the river and surrounding ornamental trees. Explore the park’s central, north and south sections to experience all Riverside has to offer. The central section of the park houses the Kansas Wildlife Exhibit with animals native to Kansas and also Celebration Plaza, an interactive fountain popular during the heat of summer months. The north section of the park is where most people picnic on inviting lawns under beautiful trees. Remember to bring your racket if you’re heading to the south section of Riverside Park, which houses the Ralph Wulz Riverside Tennis Center. Swing by and pick up lunch from Artichoke Sandwichbar or Sweet Allie B’s on your way.
Wichita State University
The campus at Wichita State University is a great place to explore and settle in for a picnic. Not only is there plenty of green space, but there are also notable museums and public art to discover as well. Use this guide to find ideas for carryout from nearby eateries and things to do after your picnic.
For more ideas on where to enjoy a picnic in Wichita, see our full list of parks and green spaces. Additionally, many Wichita attractions such as Botanica Wichita, Sedgwick County Zoo and Tanganyika Wildlife Park permit guests to bring in outside food to enjoy while visiting.
Sedgwick County Park
Sedgwick County Park is a popular Wichita picnic spot with open and enclosed shelters and barbecue grills for rent. Several lakes with fishing docks, volleyball and basketball courts, playgrounds and horseshoe pits fill out the park for activities for the whole family. Key features of this large piece of land include the Boundless Playground, designed for safe play especially for children aged 2-5, and the Sedgwick County Art Walk. Pack a lunch or take a pie from nearby pizzerias Wichita Brewing Co. and Pizzeria - West and Ziggy’s Pizza - West. Other carryout options nearby include Hurricane Sports Grill, NuWay Burgers-West and Aroma Coffeehouse.
For more ideas on where to enjoy a picnic in Wichita, see our full list of parks and green spaces. Additionally, many Wichita attractions such as Botanica Wichita, Sedgwick County Zoo and Tanganyika Wildlife Park permit guests to bring in outside food to enjoy while visiting.