If you’re looking to venture out this Labor Day weekend but want to still social distance and follow safety guidelines, we’ve compiled below a list of 9 safe and fun things to do in Wichita, happening Sept. 4-7.
Tanganyika Wildlife Park officially opened their much-anticipated Tanganyika Falls Splash Park on August 29. This new attraction boasts 5,000 square feet of animal-themed aquatic features including slides, tipping buckets, a fountain show, climbing features, waterfalls and a signature spraying giraffe. Entry into the splash park is included with regular admission and for season-pass holders.
Get a burger pass and participate in the 8th Annual ICT Burger Battle, which is taking place virtually this year throughout the month of September and October. Instead of tasting burgers in-person in the span of one day, this year’s event is offering a burger pass for $30, which can be redeemed at each participating location one time in exchange for a burger from each eatery. Once you’ve sampled your way through the participating restaurants, vote online to help determine who will take home the 2020 People’s Choice Best Burger in Wichita.
Don’t miss your last chance to see Imaginate, Exploration Place’s current traveling exhibit. Included with general admission, this traveling exhibit allows families to experience the collision between two worlds – art and science. While you're there, make sure you catch “Great Bear Rainforest” on the 60-foot Digital Dome Theater. From increased sanitation and health screenings to limited capacity, the museum is implementing a number of measures to ensure safety for visitors.
View the exhibit, “Shades of Strength & Beauty,” at The Kansas African American Museum before it’s gone. Female artists of color from across Kansas submitted artwork depicting their interpretation of feminine strength and beauty for the exhibit, which was extended through Sept. 5. Sixteen of the submitted works were selected and paired with works directly from the museum’s collection that were also created by female artists of color. Come back after Sept. 12 to see “Defining Black Wichita Part 2: Heart of the Community 1940s-1970s.”
Celebrate National Wildlife Day (Sept. 4) at Sedgwick County Zoo. Visitors can see all their favorite wildlife friends in a fun and safe way. In addition to reserving a time online, the zoo is encouraging social distancing with a one-way path around the zoo and has implemented a number of other safety measures. Plus, you can see the many animals at the zoo virtually every weekday at 2 p.m. via their Facebook page. Then, Sept. 6-12, partake in this year’s Zoobilee fundraiser, which has transformed into Zoobilee To-Go. Purchase a discount card for $100 for access to limited time offers from the zoo’s sponsors and partners. There’s also an online shop where you can purchase event T-shirts and Zoo Pal sponsorships, and make sure to check out the virtual auction Sept. 6-12 where animal adoption and tour packages will be available.
Go say howdy to the fine folks at Old Cowtown Museum during Cowtown under the Stars. The living history museum is open late, from 6 to 10 p.m., on the first Friday of every month. Admission is discounted for this event: $6 per person; members get in free. And remember, Sundays are always free!
Enjoy a midday float along the Arkansas River with Boats & Bikes, located at the River Vista Apartments loading dock. Boats & Bikes offers kayaking and other water activities such as pedal boats and Stand-Up Paddle Boards (SUP). From this dock, it’s easy to make your way to the Keeper of the Plains for a beautiful view. Rentals are available 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4 and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sept. 5-7. Find more kayaking options in this outdoor activities guide.
Close out summer at Splash Aqua Park for a fun day of inflatable slides, runways, jumping pillows, trampolines, bouncers, swings, jumps and ladders on a 27-acre lake. For those wanting a challenge, stand-up paddle boards are available. There are even lounge chairs and space to spread out if you want to remain a spectator. To help swimmers have fun safely, the park is limiting capacity to 30 people in the park at a time and increased sanitization is in place. Guests may bring in their own personal Coast Guard Approved life vest. Additionally, tickets can be purchased online and waivers can be signed in advance on personal devices prior to arriving to the park to reduce lines.
Opt for a unique experience at Grace Hill Winery and participate in the winery’s Public Grape Harvest. All the grapes at the vineyard is picked by volunteers each year. This year, they are limiting the number of pickers to 60 people on each date, which will then split into four different "bubbles" of 15 people to maintain proper social distancing. Sign up on their website and enjoy a complimentary lunch, tour of the vineyard and wine or fresh grape juice tasting experience. Tastings are also available by appointment only via their website.
