18 Unique Wichita Day Trip Ideas for Any Season
One of my favorite things about living in Kansas is how centrally located it is to so many amazing adventures. Within just a few hours in almost any direction, you can find wide-open prairies, scenic lakes, quirky roadside attractions, charming small towns, and even big-city energy, with so many day trip options. Whether you’re looking for a nature reset, a kid-friendly adventure, or a spontaneous weekend, these day trips from Wichita make it easy to explore more of Kansas (and a little bit beyond) without overpacking or overplanning.
Below are some of our favorite Wichita day trip ideas, organized from closest to farthest, with a deeper look at what makes each stop worth the drive.
Hutchinson, Kansas (45 minutes)
Hutchinson is one of the easiest and most family-friendly day trips from Wichita. The Kansas Cosmosphere is a must, especially if you have kids who love hands-on exhibits and anything space related. Pair it with Strataca, the underground salt mine, where you descend 650 feet below ground for a truly unique Kansas experience. The Dillon Nature center has a great outdoor nature-based play area, as well as a free visitor’s center and walking paths, and is lovely to visit in any season. If you are looking for more outdoor adventures, Sand Hills State Park has some unique trails, and Harvey County West Park (just outside of Hutchinson) is a fun place to spend the afternoon. We love the trail here that takes you around the lake and over the suspension bridge!
Bridges of Cowley County & Chaplin Nature Center (1 hour)
Just an hour south of Wichita, this day trip offers a peaceful mix of scenic countryside and nature exploration. Drive the backroads to find historic stone bridges tucked into the landscape, then head to Chaplin Nature Center to explore this free spot. Hike the trail out to the Arkansas River, where you can spot deer, turkey and bald eagles. If there has been a recent rain, you could also add the Cowley County Waterfall as a stop, where you can climb down to the base of the falls and explore.
Make sure to download or print the map of all the stone bridges before you go!
Rock City, Kansas (1 hour 30 minutes)
Rock City, just outside of Minneapolis, Kansas is a really unique nature stop that is so much fun for kids. Massive spherical rock formations scatter the landscape, making it the perfect place for kids to climb, explore, and let their imaginations run wild. It’s an easy stop to pair with lunch in a nearby small town, or pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic here.
Admission to the park is $3/adult and $0.50 for children.
Abilene, Kansas (1 hour 30 minutes)
Abilene blends Kansas history with small-town charm, and is such a fun town for both kids and adults. Visit the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, explore Old Abilene Town, or stop by the Greyhound Hall of Fame for something unexpected. Make sure to take a ride on the Smoky Valley Railroad– sure to be a hit with any train lovers. Also, stop by for a ride on the C.W. Parker Carousel at the Dickinson County Heritage Center. It’s the oldest operational Parker carousel known to exist.
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve (1 hour 30 minutes)
This is one of the most iconic landscapes in Kansas. The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve protects some of the last remaining tallgrass prairie in North America. Drive the scenic road, hike the easy trails out to the prairie to spot the herd of bison, and explore the historic grounds. It’s especially beautiful in late spring and early summer. Make sure to stop in the Visitor’s Center to get your Jr. Ranger booklet/badge!
Pro tip: This could be done in combination with Chase Falls Lake if desired!
Emporia, Kansas (1 hour 30 minutes)
Emporia is a great Kansas day trip for any season! Walk or bike part of the Flint Hills Trail, visit the David Traylor Zoo, or grab coffee and lunch downtown. Read my full write up on How to Spend a Day in Emporia here.
Maxwell Wildlife Refuge & Lindsborg, KS (1 hour 30 minutes)
This pairing makes for one of the most unique day trips from Wichita. Start at Maxwell Wildlife Refuge, where you can take a guided tram tour to see free-roaming bison and elk. Then head to Lindsborg, also known as Little Sweden, to explore charming shops, bakeries, and Swedish-inspired culture. Make sure to stop at Coronado Heights, where you can climb inside the historic castle built in the 1930’s.
Pro tip: Visit Maxwell Wildlife Refuge in May to see baby bison, or in October/November to see the elk rut.
Chase State Fishing Lake (1 hour 45 minutes)
One of my favorite spots in Kansas, this hidden gem is nestled in the Flint Hills and is such a fun spot to spend some time exploring. Bring your paddleboard or kayak (we love this one!), fishing gear and swim suits and spend the day here. If there has been a recent rain, make sure to walk across the damn to see the waterfall! It’s wet weather dependent, but a really pretty spot to let your kids splash around.
Pro tip: Make sure to bring water shoes!
Mushroom Rock State Park & Kanopolis State Park (1 hour 45 minutes)
These two parks are close enough to combine into one adventurous day. Mushroom Rock is known for its unique rock formations, while Kanopolis offers some amazing trails and caves to explore. Together, they showcase some of central Kansas’ most interesting terrain, and we love these as a day trip during winter months.
Riverside Park & Elk City State Park (2 hours)
This southeast Kansas combo is a perfect day trip for families. Elk City State Park offers some of the most unique trails in Kansas, with lake views and towering bluffs. Then head to Riverside Park in Independence for the rest of the day, where your kids will have a blast on this old school playground, riding the nickel carousel and 50 cent train, playing mini golf, or splashing in the splash pad.
Lawrence, Kansas (2 hours 30 minutes)
Lawrence has got to be one of the cutest small towns in Kansas, and is the perfect spot for a day trip! Walk along Mass Street for shopping and dining, explore the University of Kansas campus and museum, or head outdoors to Clinton State Park for hiking and lake views. The Baker Wetlands is also a fun spot for wildlife spotting, and the Prairie Park Nature Center is sure to be a hit for kiddos.
Topeka, Kansas (2 hours 30 minutes)
Kansas’ capital city has more to offer than many expect. Tour the Kansas State Capitol, visit the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center, or explore the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site. Finish your day with a walk along the Kansas River or dinner downtown. If you visit during springtime, make sure to stop at Ted Ensley Gardens to see the tulips.
Great Salt Plains & Alabaster Caverns, OK (2 hours 30 minutes)
If you’re up for crossing state lines, this Oklahoma duo makes for a truly unique adventure. Dig for crystals at Great Salt Plains State Park, then explore the gypsum formations inside Alabaster Caverns. It’s truly a one of a kind adventure in Oklahoma! You can also stop by Gloss Mountains State Park for some amazing views.
The Gathering Place, Tulsa, OK (2 hours 30 minutes)
The Gathering Place is absolutely worth the drive! This world-class park features imaginative playgrounds, walking trails, river views, and space for kids of all ages to explore. It’s so easy to spend an entire day exploring this massive park. Couple it with a visit to the Discovery Center, located next door, or the Tulsa Aquarium, and you have the perfect day trip.
Wilson Lake, Kansas (2 hours 30 minutes)
By far one of the most beautiful lakes in Kansas, Wilson Lake is the perfect Kansas day trip for any season. Hike through the prairie to and up close to massive rock formations, or bring your paddleboard or kayak for some amazing water views. Plus there are some great campsites available if you’re looking for an overnight adventure. Head into the quirky town of Lucas to see the Toilet Bowl Plaza and the Garden of Eden.
Konza Prairie & Manhattan, Kansas (2 hours 30 minutes)
Konza Prairie Nature Trail offers one of the most scenic hikes in the Flint Hills, with trails that climb above rolling prairie landscapes. After hiking, head into Manhattan for lunch, and spend the afternoon exploring spots like the Flint Hills Discovery Center and Sunset Zoo.
Overland Park, Kansas (3 hours)
Overland Park makes for a fantastic family-friendly day trip, but can easily be extended for a weekend visit! Visit Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, explore the Overland Park Arboretum, or spend time in the nature play area at Prairiefire Museum. There’s plenty to do, plus it’s just minutes from downtown Kansas City.
Read our entire Overland Park Weekend Itinerary here.
Western Kansas: Castle Rock, Monument Rocks & Little Jerusalem Badlands (4–5 hours)
While this one is stretching it a bit as a day trip, it is definitely possible! Start early and make stops at Castle Rocks, Fick Fossil Museum, Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park and Monument Rocks to see some of the most amazing spots in Western Kansas.
Planning Your Wichita Day Trips
Whether you’re chasing wide-open spaces, small-town charm, or kid-friendly adventures, these day trips from Wichita prove you don’t have to go far to experience something special. Pick one that fits your season, your energy level, and your crew, and hit the road.
Make sure to check out my top 10 essential items for stress-free road trips with kids!
