Spring is the perfect time for families to explore Wichita. Warmer weather brings outdoor adventures, hands-on attractions and plenty of places where kids can run, play and discover something new. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, here are some family-friendly experiences to add to your Wichita must-do list.

A family explores the children's garden at Botanica Wichita.

Downing Children’s Garden at Botanica

At Botanica Wichita, the Downing Children’s Garden is designed specifically for kids to explore and play. The space features themed areas like a musical maze, a sunflower fountain and a whimsical treehouse-style play area. Located within Botanica’s 17-plus acres of gardens, it’s a colorful and interactive place for families to experience nature together.

Kids climb on an airplane tower structure at Adventure Playscape

Adventure Playscape at Exploration Place

One of Wichita’s newest attractions, the Adventure Playscape at Exploration Place, is designed for active, imaginative play along the Arkansas River. The six-acre outdoor space features Kansas-themed play areas where kids can climb, slide, splash and explore, including a massive aviation-inspired climbing structure and sunflower-themed play zones. It’s the perfect mix of outdoor fun and hands-on learning.

Great Plains Nature Center

Great Plains Nature Center

Families looking to explore the outdoors can head to the Great Plains Nature Center, where miles of scenic trails wind through wetlands and prairie habitats. Inside the center, interactive exhibits help kids learn about Kansas wildlife, while outside they can spot turtles, birds and other animals along the paths. Spring is an especially great time to visit as wildflowers bloom and wildlife becomes more active.

A mother and father walk hand-in-hand with their son and daughter along a path at Field Station: Dinosaurs

Field Station: Dinosaurs

Travel back in time at Field Station: Dinosaurs, where families can walk wooded trails filled with more than 40 life-sized moving dinosaurs. The outdoor park also features live shows, fossil digs, games and Jurassic-themed mini golf, making it a fun stop for curious kids and dinosaur fans.

A family feeds a lemur at Tanganyika Wildlife Park

Tanganyika Wildlife Park

For families who love animal encounters, Tanganyika Wildlife Park offers interactive experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Guests can play with otters, pet kangaroos, swim with penguins and participate in other up-close animal encounters. The park’s all-inclusive admission makes it easy for families to enjoy a full day of adventure.

Old Cowtown Museum Randy and Town

Old Cowtown Museum

Step into Wichita’s past at Old Cowtown Museum, where families can explore a recreated 19th-century town filled with historic buildings, costumed interpreters and hands-on activities. Spring visits may even include vintage baseball games, where players recreate the sport as it was played in the 1800s. Looking for more baseball action? Find even more fun ways to enjoy America’s past time in Wichita.

A baby elephant walks alongside his mother outside in its enclosure at the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita, KS

Sedgwick County Zoo

A visit to the Sedgwick County Zoo is always a hit with families. Kids can see more than 3,000 animals from around the world while exploring immersive habitats throughout the park. This spring also marks the final season of Stingray Cove, where guests can touch and feed stingrays in a hands-on experience open through October.

People gather to hear a zookeeper as they talk about an animal outside an enclosure at the Kansas Wildlife Exhibit.

Riverside Park & Kansas Wildlife Exhibit

Located near the Keeper of the Plains, the Kansas Wildlife Exhibit at Riverside Park is a free outdoor attraction that’s especially popular once the weather warms up. The small wildlife habitat features native Kansas animals like bobcats, a beaver, owls and river otters, and daily feedings and caretaker talks give visitors a chance to learn more about the animals up close. Spring is an ideal time to play at the park and stop by the exhibit.

From hands-on science and wildlife encounters to outdoor adventures and connecting with nature, Wichita offers plenty of springtime experiences families will remember long after the trip ends. Sign up for our free e-newsletter and start planning your trip to Wichita with our official Visitor Guide.