If you are looking for the ultimate Midwest weekend getaway (or staycation), Wichita has got you covered! It has the perfect mix of outdoor adventure, delightful food, and fun for the whole family. Trying to narrow down what to do can feel a bit overwhelming, so here are some of my top recommendations on how to spend a weekend in Wichita.
At this one of a kind wildlife park, there’s a world of interactive and immersive experiences waiting for you. Start your adventure by feeding the giraffes and getting up close with the playful lemurs in the Lemur Island exhibit. Make sure to take a trip in to see the kangaroos, and keep your eyes out for a joey poking out of mama’s pouch! Don’t miss the chance to experience behind-the-scenes tour, where you can get up close and personal with a sloth feeding or a swim with the penguins. This park experience is truly one of a kind and an absolute don’t miss stop in Wichita!
This iconic symbol sits in downtown Wichita where the Arkansas and Little Arkansas rivers meet. You can walk across the pedestrian bridge to the base of the statue, or you can rent kayaks and paddle along the river. A must-see feature is the “Ring of Fire,” where nightly at 9 PM during the spring and summer, and 7 PM during the fall and winter, firepots surrounding the statue are lit, creating a mesmerizing display against the evening sky. You can access the statue via two footbridges, which offer picturesque views of the rivers and cityscape.
One of the best family friendly adventures in Wichita is the incredible zoo. Explore one of the many themed exhibits, including the immersive “Pride of the Plains,” home to lions, meerkats, and African painted dogs, or the “Tiger Trek,” featuring magnificent Amur and Malayan tigers. Don’t forget to take a ride on the brand new train, and stop by Stingray Cove to hand feed the rays! Make sure to pack a lunch (or stop at one of the restaurants available), because you won’t want to rush through this place. And coming in 2025- baby elephants! The Sedgwick County Zoo currently has 5 expecting elephants, so make sure to check back next spring for updates!
If you are looking to do some local shopping, don’t miss this unique and fun spot! Full of items sourced by local vendors, you can find just about anything you are looking for here, including candles, home decor, apparel, and a large assortment of Wichita items. And don’t miss the brand new champagne bar, Bubbles, located inside The Workroom. Enjoy a glass while you shop!
Did you know the first Pizza Hut was started in Wichita? Take a tour of the original building turned museum, which is now located on the Wichita State University campus. Here you can see Pizza Hut memorabilia over the years, as well as learn about the history of this famous chain.
The first art gallery created for artists and audiences who are blind or visually impaired, this place is so unique. The gallery was designed to showcase work done by and for the visually impaired and offers hands on exhibits, like a giant braille scrabble board and a “makers space” for anyone who wants to create art during their visit. A true hidden gem in Wichita, you definitely want to pop in and see what this place is all about.
Enjoy a tasty breakfast or delicious lunch at this retro diner! Voted #69 in the top 100 places to eat in the Midwest, you do not want to miss a stop here. The menu is full of gourmet comfort food that are cooked from scratch every day, and the atmosphere will take you right back to the good ole days. I highly recommend the breakfast burrito and the banana bread French toast!
A visit to Wichita wouldn’t be complete without stopping by the incredible botanical garden in Riverside. Rated the #5 best botanical garden in the US, this is a local favorite no matter what time of year you visit. Stroll through the children’s garden, ride the carousel, wander through the Butterfly House, or relax on the terrace. This place is sure to reconnect you with nature and leave you captivated by its beauty.
The perfect way to end your evening is by heading to the Riverfront Stadium to catch a Windsurge game. Enjoy concessions and a drink, and let your kids bounce around on the inflatables. Don’t miss the firework show after the game ends.
Mark Arts is a vibrant hub for creativity and artistic expression, offering a range of activities for art lovers of all ages. Here you can explore the rotating exhibits in the spacious galleries, showcasing work by local, regional, and national artists across various mediums. Sign up to participate in hands-on workshops and classes in disciplines such as painting, ceramics, sculpture, digital, and culinary arts. The center also hosts engaging events, including artist talks, community festivals, and art fairs, fostering a lively cultural atmosphere.
If you have a sweet tooth, make sure Nifty Nuthouse is on your must-stop list. This family-owned gem offers a huge selection of treats, including freshly roasted nuts, gourmet chocolates, candies, and unique snack mixes. As soon as you step inside, you’re greeted by an overwhelming array of bulk bins and displays, filled with everything from classic favorites to hard-to-find confections. Grab a couple of samples to decide what to take home!
This is the most picturesque, perfect brunch spot in all of Wichita. Enjoy a hot breakfast or pastry on their patio surrounded by the cutest little farm. Don’t forget a mimosa or glass of their blackberry lemonade! After your belly is full, head out to the bramble on the Berry Ferry to fill your you-pick bucket full of blackberries off the vine (seasonal). If you visit in the spring, you can bottle feed the baby goats!
Located on the Wichita State University campus, this modern and contemporary art museum featuring works by renowned artists from around the globe is a must-see for art lovers. As you explore the museum’s galleries, you’ll encounter thought-provoking exhibitions that challenge perceptions and ignite creativity. Enjoy the mosaic mural over the entrance to the museum before wandering through the exhibition spaces on the 1st and 2nd floor. Don’t miss a tour around the campus to see the many sculptures on display. Admission is always free.
If you are looking for a fun and unique shopping experience, check out Hatman Jacks in Delano. Founded in 1976, this iconic hat shop is renowned for its vast selection of headwear, offering everything from classic fedoras and cowboy hats to stylish caps and beanies. As you step into the store, you’ll be greeted by the sight of thousands of hats meticulously displayed. The knowledgeable staff, led by the legendary Hatman Jack himself, provide personalized service to help you find a hat that fits both your style and head perfectly.
Craving something different? Don’t miss Prost, an urban German Bier Garten located in Revolustia. They offer an authentic menu full of German food, plus tons of drink options. Try a flammkuchen and a flight of beer while listening to live music.
While this list definitely doesn’t cover all of the incredible things to do in Wichita, I hope it gives you some inspiration for your visit! There are so many incredible things to see and do in Wichita, you can’t go wrong with whatever you decide.