Wondering what to do in Wichita during the winter months? You don’t have to stay cooped up when it’s cold, rainy, or too dark to be outdoors. There are plenty of indoor things to do in Wichita, and we’ve put together this list of some of our favorite places for extreme family fun!
Hands-on Fun
The massive sporting facility at Wichita Sports Forum offers courts for volleyball and basketball, sand volleyball courts, an indoor turf field for soccer and other sports, batting cages, and an extreme indoor trampoline park, Aviate.
Ax throwing is a perfect activity for friends and family, and Wichita has spots that hit the mark: Axe to Grind and Blade & Timber. Before you go, it’s a good idea to do online research to be aware of any age restrictions that may exist. Plus, you can fill out waivers ahead of time to make your visit go smoothly.
Challenge your rock-climbing skills at Wichita’s only full-service indoor rock-climbing gym. Bliss Climbing and Fitness has a 38-foot top-rope and lead climbing wall, auto belays, and a 16-foot bouldering wall.
Sport shooting enthusiasts and those looking to try a new hobby or learn some self-defense methods, head out to the Range 54 indoor shooting facility. All shooters must be at least 10 years old and accompanied by an adult 21 or older. Sharpen your skills by completing a variety of drills and training opportunities at Rainier Firearm Academy.
Whether you’re in east or west Wichita, spend some time on the lanes. No matter what Bowlero location you visit (Bowlero Wichita, Bowlero Northrock or Bowlero Northridge), you'll enjoy a perfect blend of modern and classic bowling, interactive arcade games, signature cocktails and an expansive menu filled with epic eats and oversized shareables. It's a one-stop shop for entertainment for the whole family!
More bowling fun can be found at Derby Bowl and Seneca Bowl. Both bowling centers are locally-owned and offer a bar, snack bar, arcade and full-service pro shop.
From figure skating to ice hockey, the Wichita Ice Center offers lessons, events, and open skate sessions for all skill levels.
Go-karts, laser tag, arcade fun, and more: check out the variety of options at All-Star Sports in west Wichita.
Fun & Games
Get your heart pumping by playing pickleball on the indoor courts at Chicken N Pickle, or head to their game room to play ping pong. Fans of pickleball can also experience recently-opened TapNPaddles. This 35,000-square-foot pickleball venue features 12 professional-level indoor courts, a full-service restaurant and bar, a pro shop, outdoor gathering space, a 1,000 square-foot event space and more.
For more pickleball action, head to The Sandbox - Goddard or The Sandbox – Derby. These entertainment venues feature sand volleyball and outdoor pickleball courts, plus cornhole and yard games – all covered by a large dome to allow for year-round play.
Play hundreds of arcade games at Dave & Buster’s. Is your team playing? Catch all the action on one of their many big-screen televisions.
One of Wichita’s newest attractions, Topgolf Wichita, offers climate-controlled hitting bays for you and your date to take aim and swing at outfield targets. Plus, the entertainment venue has TVs throughout for a sports bar atmosphere.
Let's Go Build is your one-stop-shop for everything LEGO® brand in Wichita. For culturally diverse card and board games, toys, figurines, collectibles, and more, head to Pink Elephant Games and Cafe. Even more retro games can be enjoyed at The Arcade.
If your family is all 21+, you’ll enjoy Headshots Bar & Grill and their more than 1,000 video games and 500 board games. Look for their themed seasonal pop-up bars throughout the year.
Spend time exploring some of Wichita’s museums, which provide access to interactive exhibits, hands-on experiences, and endless fun whether you’re interested in art, history, science, or something else. For an educational journey, go down memory lane at The Original Pizza Hut Museum and learn about Wichita's ties to aviation at Exploration Place, the Kansas Aviation Museum, and B-29 Doc Hangar, Museum and Visitor’s Center.
Get Creative
Get in touch with your artsy side with several different cultural options in Wichita. From visiting The Living Room, a kid-friendly area at the Wichita Art Museum, or taking a class at Mark Arts, learn a new artistic skill and appreciate others’ artistic abilities.
You can also foster your own creativity at places like CityArts or Paint the Towne. Learn from a professional and leave with your own masterpiece. Browse the selection or blow your own art glass at Infinity Art Glass and Karg Art Glass. Create your own terrarium at GROW Plant Shop and find inspiring plant designs at Planterior.
Spectator Fun
Wichita is a regional hot spot for both collegiate and professional sports. During the winter season, some of the hottest tickets in town are for a Wichita Thunder hockey game at INTRUST Bank Arena, a Wichita Wings soccer match a family-friendly event at Hartman Arena or to see the Wichita State Shockers men’s basketball team at Koch Arena.
Check the schedule at INTRUST Bank Arena for exciting sports events for the entire family, from the Harlem Globetrotters to Monster Jam to Professional Bull Riding action. In January 2025, watch the nation's top ice skaters compete at the 2025 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
If you’re looking for other things to do in Wichita, check out our calendar of events and download the latest visitor's guide for more inspiration.
