As the unofficial start to summer, Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to explore everything Wichita has to offer. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a friends’ getaway or a relaxing staycation, the Heart of the Country delivers with a plethora of attractions, outdoor fun and ways to honor the meaning of the holiday.
Reflect and honor the holiday
Wichita has several ways to pay tribute to service members. Consider visiting Veterans Memorial Park along the Arkansas River, home to multiple monuments including the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial and the Kansas Korean War Memorial. It’s a peaceful and moving space to reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day. On Monday, May 26, head to the park for the 2025 Memorial Day Commemoration.
Also, many Wichita museums are part of the Blue Star Museum program in which military members and their family members may visit the museum free of charge. It begins on Armed Forces Day (May 17) and ends on Labor Day (Sept. 1). Blue Star Museums in Wichita include Exploration Place, Kansas Aviation Museum, Old Cowtown Museum, Wichita Art Museum, Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum and Botanica Wichita.
Visit Sedgwick County Zoo or Tanganyika Wildlife Park
Kick off the weekend with some animal adventures! Sedgwick County Zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals, including the adorable elephant calves making headlines this year. Don’t miss Stingray Cove, which is now included with general admission, the giraffe feeding station and a relaxing train ride.
Over at Tanganyika Wildlife Park, experience the park’s new all-inclusive model and enjoy hands-on opportunities to feed lemurs, pet kangaroos and cool off at Tanganyika Falls Splash Park. In addition to Tanganyika’s splash park, other Wichita area outdoor water parks, pools and splash parks such as Rock River Rapids and Splash Aqua Park open for the summer season over Memorial Day weekend.
Explore outdoor beauty at Botanica Wichita
Celebrate the season surrounded by blooming flowers and lush gardens. Botanica Wichita features over 30 themed gardens, including the interactive Downing Children’s Garden, the whimsical Butterfly House and this summer’s traveling exhibit, Glass in Flight 2. It's a peaceful way to soak in the sunshine and connect with nature.
Dive into history
Take a step back in time at museums such as Old Cowtown Museum, the Wichita-Sedgwick Co. Historical Museum and the Museum of World Treasures, where you can meet Ivan the T. rex and uncover relics from across the globe. For more dino-sized fun, Field Station: Dinosaurs in nearby Derby offers life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, fossil digs and entertaining live shows – perfect for curious kids and adventurous families.
Enjoy outdoor activities and events
Memorial Day Weekend is the perfect time to jump into outdoor fun in Wichita. Boats & Bikes kicks off their 2025 season this weekend and other open-air events are taking place, such as the annual Asian Night Market and RiverFlix.
Catch a feature at the Starlite Drive-In. Known best for its specialty carload pricing for special events, the Starlite Drive-In has been part of Wichita since 1953. Check their website for details on what’s being played on Memorial Day weekend and view our guide to know what to expect.
Enjoy food and local flavors
Hit up the local food scene with a stop at Public, the Old Town Farm & Art Market on Saturday morning, or grab a smash burger at local favorites like Fizz Burgers & Bottles. Don’t forget the city's growing brewery and cider scene for a refreshing local pour, which you can experience by completing the 2025 Wicked Brew Tour.
Plan your weekend
With a mix of adventure, reflection and fresh-air experiences, Memorial Day weekend in Wichita is the perfect opportunity to kick off summer and make lasting memories. Click here for the most up-to-date list of events you can expect if you plan to spend your Memorial Day weekend in Wichita this year.
