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Bowling is one of America's favorite pastimes. Bowling alleys are great venues for friendly competitions, while also providing countless hours of fun and bonding with family and friends. Luckily for those living in or around Wichita, Kansas, they have some amazing alleys to choose from. more Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes Located at the lower level of Wichita State University's Rhatigan Student Center, Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes is not only a great place for students to unwind, but also an ideal venue for locals to relax and have fun along with friends and family. The place features eight modern and great-looking bowling lanes, along with shoe rentals. They have special discounts for students, faculty, and staff members, but everyone is welcome. The food court is available if you get hungry, and there are games like pool or darts for moments when you feel like taking a break from bowling. Seneca Bowl Located at 1909 S Seneca Street, this is the place to be for all bowling enthusiasts in the Wichita area, regardless of their playing level. They offer 36 lanes with automatic scoring, so odds are you'll find an open lane every time you visit. Beginners are gently introduced to the game of bowling through comprehensive lessons that anyone can enjoy, from kids to senior citizens. Those who feel they are a little more advanced are given the chance to compete, with special tournaments and bowling leagues available for them to join. The Alley This bowling alley is probably the best place in town to go with kids and introduce them to bowling. Not only do they have special rates for those aged 12 and younger, but they also host a few other attractions that the kids will definitely love. Their latest addition is an engaging escape room, where kids and adults alike can become spies, secret agents, or superheroes for an hour or two, solving puzzles and escaping from challenging situations. They also feature bowling leagues where everyone can satisfy their competitive drive, no matter what their skill level is. West Acres Bowling Center This bowling center at 749 North Ridge Road is another place that can provide countless hours of fun for the entire family. They put much emphasis on getting kids passionate about the game of bowling, and they feature youth leagues where children and adults who never played bowling before can be introduced to the game. They have one of the best youth programs in the entire country, making it the perfect place to spark a passion that can last a lifetime. While kids are learning how to bowl, adults can relax at the sports bar or visit the pro shop. Bowling can be more than a sport. It is also a great way to relax and wind down after a long day's work as well as a good premise for a fun night out with friends or family. Any of these bowling alleys will provide visitors with everything they need for some great games of bowling, and much more. https://www.flickr.com/photos/aloha75/8120676717/sizes/l Image via Flickr by Sam Howzit

Botanica Wichita is one of the top attractions in the city, especially among those who love fresh plants and flowers. If you've never been to Botanica Wichita before, you probably don't know just how many fun things there are to do at these gardens. Here are just a few of the many things to do at the Wichita Botanical Gardens that you should keep in mind before your next visit. more 1. Tour the Different Gardens The top thing to do at the Wichita Botanical Gardens is to tour the gardens themselves. Botanica Wichita features 17 acres of gardens filled with lush plants and vibrant flowers, and you could easily spend an entire day touring the different themed gardens. For example, if you've always imagined living in Elizabethan England and relaxing in a cottage garden, you'll definitely want to visit the Shakespeare Garden, which features perennial flowers and herbs, many of which were mentioned in Shakespeare's plays. If you love butterflies, you'll want to spend some time walking through the Butterfly Garden. This garden is filled with a variety of nectar plants designed to attract butterflies, as well as host plants for caterpillars. Make sure you take time to visit all of the gorgeous themed gardens at Botanica Wichita. 2. Come for a Lecture If you're the type of person who always enjoys learning something new, then attending a lecture at Botanica is another great activity. Botanica Wichita holds a variety of regular lecture series, so you should have no trouble finding something that will spark your interests. If you want something fun to do on your lunch break, you can stop by for the Lunchtime Lectures series, which features speakers from around the world discussing nature, the garden itself, and a variety of other topics. If you have small children, you'll want to take them to the weekly Garden Story Time event that takes place in the Garden Library. Every week features a different theme and fun songs, stories, games, and crafts. 3. Attend a Garden Event Another way that you can have fun at Botanica Wichita is to attend one of the regular events at this attraction. Virtually every week you can find something to do at the Gardens and have a good time. Botanica Wichita hosts a wide range of events, so you'll need to check their schedule frequently to see what's going on. Some nights will feature events perfect for families, such as hikes through nature, and some will have events designed just for adults, such as music and cocktails on the terrace. The Wichita Botanica Gardens even holds events for certain holidays, making it a great spot to celebrate with your friends and family. If you want to have a great time while also connecting with nature, attending an event at the gardens is an excellent choice. If you live in Wichita and are looking for somewhere to have fun, look no further than the Wichita Botanica Gardens. Whether it's touring the actual gardens or attending a lecture or event, you're guaranteed to have a great time. Image via Flickr by Ty Nigh

Keeping your family safe and entertained while on the road is easy with Mazda's 2019 lineup. With numerous safety features, smart technology, and entertainment options, you'll likely hear less complaining when it's time to load up the family and go. more Mazda CX-3 The 2019 Mazda CX-3 is a five-passenger crossover, making it a great option for smaller families. It's available in three trim levels — Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring. The Sport comes with cloth seats. Families with small children that could spill snacks and drinks may prefer the Touring, which has leatherette seats, or the Grand Touring, which has leather seats. The CX-3 has 60/40 fold-down seats in the back. The CX-3 comes standard with the Mazda Connect Infotainment System, which allows the kids to be entertained while on the road. Stream your favorite music from Aha, Pandora, and Stitcher internet radio, or connect your device via Bluetooth. When it comes to keeping the kids safe while on the road, the CX-3 has your family covered. Standard safety equipment includes front airbags with passenger-weight sensors, front side-impact airbags, side-impact air curtains with rollover protection, side-impact door beams, and smart city brake support. Mazda CX-9 For the family that likes to hit the bike trails or spend the day boating, the Mazda CX-9 is a great option. This midsize three-row SUV is capable of hauling your boat or trailer up to 3,500 pounds. It's available in three trim levels — Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring. Parents will appreciate the luxurious interior with Nappa leather and genuine Santos Rosewood accents. Kids will appreciate the ability to jam to tunes via the available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The CX-9 has room for seven passengers, making it a good option for larger families. The SUV features a 60/40 split fold-down and reclining second-row seats with tilt and slide third-row access, and 50/50 split fold-down third-row seats. Keep your family safe with the available i-ACTIV AWD system, which monitors the outside temperature, braking patterns, and more and adjusts the power delivery to give your tires the proper traction. Additionally, the available i-ACTIVSENSE safety features include radar cruise control with stop and go, smart brake support with collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Mazda3 Sedan The Mazda3 Sedan is a five-passenger vehicle with several packages to suit your family's needs, including the Sedan, Select, Preferred, and Premium. The Sedan and Select models have cloth-trimmed sport seats, while the Preferred and Premium models have leatherette-trimmed sport seats, making for easier cleanup.  All models include a 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback. Listen to music or podcasts on the Mazda Connect infotainment system via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, or the kids can choose to plug in their own devices to one of two USB audio inputs. Step up to the Preferred model to enjoy beats coming out of the Bose 12-speaker premium audio system. Safety features available on the sedan include a rearview camera, whiplash-reducing front seat headrests, dynamic stability control with a traction control system, advanced dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, side-impact air curtains, and driver's and front passenger's knee airbags. Whether your crew is big or small, there's a 2019 Mazda that's just right for your family. Image via Flickr by Gonmi

If you live and Wichita, Kansas, and have an adventurous spirit, getting out and exploring the city is one of the best ways to spend a weekend. Here are some of the best spots in Wichita to put on your itinerary for weekend explorations. more 1. Botanica Wichita For flower lovers, there's no better place to go for weekend exploring in Wichita than Botanica Wichita. This popular spot has been open since 1987 and offers four gardens filled with gorgeous flowers and plants. If you want to know more about any of the plant species that you see, you can stop by the horticultural library to learn something new. Botanica Wichita also features numerous themed gardens that display different species depending on the time of year. 2. Keeper of the Plains Plaza The history of Wichita is inextricably linked to that of the Native American people who have long called this area home. If you'd like to learn more about this cultural link, then the Keeper of the Plains Plaza is a great place to explore this weekend. At the center of the plaza is a massive steel structure depicting a Native American keeping watch over the land. The statue stands where the Arkansas River meets the Little Arkansas River and in the evenings the plaza is lit by the Ring of Fire that surrounds the statute. 3. Exploration Place If you have a passion for science, Exploration Place is a must-visit location in Wichita. This science center is tucked on the banks of the scenic Arkansas River and offers several ways that you and your kids can have fun. Exploration Place features multiple exhibits dedicated to math and science, as well as exhibits dedicated to the culture and history of Wichita. You can also see a show at the Dome Theater or go for a stroll through the outdoor Exploration Park. 4. Sedgwick County Zoo Do you love seeing exotic animals up close and in person? If so, then you need to spend a day exploring the Sedgwick County Zoo. The zoo is separated into different world regions to make it easy to find the exact animal you're looking for among the more than 3,000 creatures that call this zoo home. If you visit the Africa region, you can see large animals such as gorillas and hippopotami. You should also be sure to stop by the penguin cove to watch these playful and gregarious birds glide through the water. 5. Arkansas River Path If you're in the mood for a long, leisurely walk, you should head over to the Arkansas River Path. This paved trail is over 3 miles long and winds its way along the gorgeous river waters. Walk the entire path and you'll get a great look at some of the top attractions in Wichita, including the All-American Indian Center. The River Path is also near the downtown area, so after you're done walking, you can stop by a nearby eatery for a delicious meal. Wichita is one of the best cities to live in if you love exploring on the weekends. The next time your work week is over, make sure to stop by one of these excellent exploration spots. https://www.flickr.com/photos/tylercipriani/32913715534/sizes/l Image via Flickr by tyler.cipriani

The 2019 Mazda CX-3 is a crossover that's both comfortable and luxurious. A full suite of smart technology, top-notch safety features, and plenty of entertainment options make it a practical choice for those family road trips or quick drives to work. more 1. Powerful Engine The 2019 Mazda CX-3 is available in three trim levels: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring. All 2019 models are powered by a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter engine that cranks out 148 horsepower and 146 pounds-feet of torque. The CX-3 gets an estimated 34 miles per gallon on the highway, making it a great vehicle for city commutes as well as cross-country road trips. 2. Comfortable Interior Inside the CX-3 you'll find a comfortable cabin with plenty of luxurious amenities that rival its competitors. There's seating for five people and the driver's seat includes six-way manual adjustments. The back has 60/40 split fold-down rear seats, giving you extra room when hauling cargo. Black center console knee pads and a rear sear center armrest provide additional comfort for passengers. The Sport has cloth-trimmed sport seats, the Touring has leatherette-trimmed sport seats, and the Grand Touring features leather-trimmed sport seats. The Touring and Grand Touring also include additional amenities such as heated front seats, and the Touring has Lux suede door trim with black armrests. 3. Smart Technology The available Active Driving Display makes it easy to see all your important info while still keeping your eyes on the road. The display shows your vehicle's speed, navigation, and i-ACTIVSENSE safety warnings. Ambient temperature and air conditioning with a pollen filter ensure the temperature is perfect and the air is clean. A 7-inch full-color touch-screen display with Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio capabilities comes standard on all trim levels of the Mazda CX-3. Both the driver and passengers can stay entertained while on long drives with the Mazda Connect Infotainment System, which includes infotainment system voice command, multifunction commander control, radio broadcast data system program information, E911 automatic emergency notification, SMS text message audio delivery and reply, and Aha, Pandora, and Stitcher internet radio integration. 4. Safety Features The Mazda CX-3 comes with a full suite of safety features to keep you safe while on the road. Standard safety equipment includes advanced front air bags with passenger-weight sensors, front side-impact air bags, side impact air curtains with rollover protection, dynamic stability control, traction control system, hill launch assist, smart city brake support, engine immobilizer anti-theft system, side-impact door beams, and anti-lock brake system with electronic brake force distribution. Additional safety technology includes a rearview camera, blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, and a keyless remote panic button. Step up to the top-of-the-line Grand Touring trim level and you'll get the addition of Mazda radar cruise control with Stop & Go, lane departure warning, advanced smart city brake support with pedestrian detection, and smart brake support with collision warning. With so much to offer, as well as great gas mileage, it's no wonder why the Mazda CX-3 should be considered as a practical choice for your next vehicle. Take a look at our 2019 Mazda CX-3 inventory for sale in Wichita! Image via MazdaUSA.com

Situated on the banks of the Arkansas River in southern Kansas, Wichita is the largest and arguably the most interesting city in the state. Rich with culture, history, sports, and more, it's the top destination for visitors and a place that locals love. Whether you're planning a trip to the city or just want to learn more about where you're from, here are a few interesting facts about the City of Wichita. more 1. Home of the Keeper of the Plains One of the most iconic symbols of Wichita is the Keeper of the Plains. Located at the confluence of the Little Arkansas River and the Arkansas River, this 44-foot-tall steel sculpture was designed by Kiowa-Comanche artist Blackbear Bosin and erected in 1974. Styled in the shape of a Native American in a headdress with a tomahawk, the sculpture is also surrounded by displays that document the tribes that used to call the area home. Stop by at night to see the statue illuminated by fire pits in the foreground of the city skyline. 2. Where Pizza Hut and White Castle Were Founded If you've ever chowed down on some " belly bombers " or stuffed-crust pizza, you have Wichita to thank. Opened in Wichita in 1921, White Castle is the stuff of legends, commonly quoted by the likes of the Beastie Boys and enjoyed by night owls everywhere. Oddly enough, the chain has pulled out of the Wichita market over the past 100 years, but the origins of your mini-burgers are always good to know. In 1958, brothers Dan and Frank Carney opened the first Pizza Hut on the campus of Wichita State University. Not only did the business take off, but the brothers also implemented the revolutionary idea of pizza delivery years before their competitors. Sixty years later, the franchise has over 18,000 locations in 100 countries and $12 billion in sales, making it the largest and most profitable pizza chain in the world. 3. Known as the Air Capital of the World Wichita has a long-standing partnership with the aviation industry. In 1920, Wichita-based E.M. Laird Airplane Manufacturing Co. became the first manufacturer of commercial airplanes in the United States. During WWII, Wichita produced 44 percent of all aircraft for the war effort. Following the war, companies such as Cessna, Beechcraft, and Boeing have all produced airplanes or airplane parts in the city, giving Wichita the nickname "Air Capital of the World." 4. Home to the Seventh Largest Zoo in the Country Covering 247 acres, the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita is the seventh largest zoo in the country. Upon opening in 1971, the zoo quickly became the city's most popular attraction with over 2,500 animals across 500 species. Today, the zoo hosts over 650,000 visitors a year with exhibits including the Gorilla Forest, the Pride of the Plains, Penguin Cover, Tiger Trek, and See Eye to Eye with Giraffes. Admission is $15.95 for adults and $11.95 for children. With so many interesting tidbits and attractions, Wichita is an undiscovered gem that's worth a visit. You might just end up calling it one of your favorite cities. Image via Flickr by Ty Nigh

When the weather has warmed and you're finally out of the deep-freeze of winter, you welcome spring with open arms. With nicer temperatures and sunshine, this season is great for taking long leisurely drives. Unfortunately, your vehicle has run into some tough obstacles over the winter. Snow, salt, ice, dirt, and cold have wreaked havoc on your vehicle. So before you hit the road, follow these tips to prep your car for spring. more 1. Wash Your Car Your car is probably covered with harmful chemicals, salt, and dirt from winter, so it's time to wash off all these substances and bring the luster and shine back to your vehicle. However, running the car through an automatic car wash won't cut it. You need to wash your car by hand not only to make the car look its best but also to remove any substances that can cause corrosion. While you're at it, you may as well detail the interior to get the winter dirt and grime out of the vehicle and protect the dashboard and upholstery. 2. Change the Tires During winter, you need as much grip as you can get on roads, especially in inclement weather. That's why many drivers swap their all-season tires for winter tires. If this includes you, make sure to switch back to all-season tires or summer tires, which perform better under warmer conditions. 3. Inspect and Rotate Your Tires Winter driving can wear your tires more quickly than normal. As a result, you need to rotate the tires each spring or at least every 6,000 to 8,000 miles to ensure they wear evenly. You should also check the tire treads to make sure they aren't going bald. To do this, take a penny and stick it into the tread with Lincoln's head upside-down. If any of Honest Abe's head is covered, your tires are fine. But if you can see his entire head, it's time to purchase a new set of tires. 4. Replace the Windshield Wipers Although wipers are important during winter, the increase in spring showers necessitates that your windshield wiper blades are in top-notch condition. If you notice any rips or tears in your blades or that the wipers are ineffective on your windshield, replace them immediately. 5. Test Your Battery The average life of a car battery is four years, but because your battery works harder during the winter, it's a good idea to test your battery. Most auto parts stores will check your battery for free. If they find that your battery is on its last leg, you can buy a new one. In some cases, the auto parts store will also give you a few bucks to recycle your battery. In just a few easy steps, you can return your car to its former glory before winter took its toll. Once you've completed the checklist, your car will look great and will run just like it did when you drove it home for the first time. Image via Flickr by Nicholas_T

SUVs and crossovers have nearly sent minivans the way of the dodo with a plethora of family-friendly features, convenience, and functionality. However, it's the 2019 Mazda CX-9 that might just right for you and yet it is one of the underrated options out there. Sleek, stylish, efficient, and laden with features, Mazda's largest vehicle also doubles as a road-tripping machine. Here are just a few of the reasons to make the CX-9 your next road trip vehicle. 1. Room for Everything With a standard third row and seating that folds straight into the floor, the 2019 Mazda CX-9 is a dual-threat for passenger and cargo capacity. Thanks to third-row seating, the CX-9 hauls up to seven passengers with some of the best legroom, headroom, shoulder room, and hip room in the segment. more Even with a packed house, the CX-9 can still accommodate up to 14.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat. If you need more room, fold the third-row seats to unveil 38.2 cubic feet of cargo space, and you'll still have seating for five passengers. Although you probably won't need it for most road trips, all three rows fold flat for 71.2 cubic feet of storage volume. 2. Surprising Power A road trip just isn't the same without a bit of power behind the wheel. That's what makes the 2019 Mazda CX-9 such a solid choice. Beneath the hood, all four trims of the CX-9 come with a 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G turbocharged four-cylinder that dishes out up to 250 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This propels the crossover from zero to 60 mph in just 7.1 seconds to go along with a top speed of 132 mph. 3. Efficiency Even with its penchant for thrilling road-tripping power, the Mazda CX-9 also has one of the top fuel economies in its class. With front-wheel drive, the crossover gets up to 28 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city for 24 mpg combined. All-wheel drive reduces these figures by just 2 mpg each. Paired with a 19.5-gallon gas tank, the CX-9 can go an impressive 546 miles on a single tank of gas, giving you more time to explore or get to your destination. 4. Top-Notch Infotainment System The upgraded infotainment system on the Mazda CX-9 gives the crossover yet another asset as a top road-trip vehicle. A 7- or 8-inch touch screen allows you to peruse the various features of the infotainment system, or you can use the standard voice-recognition feature to navigate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard for the first time in 2019, giving you seamless integration to your favorite mobile devices. Other highlights include high-definition (HD) radio, Bluetooth streaming and connectivity, and onboard internet radio apps such as Pandora, Stitcher, Spotify, and Aha. When you need to entertain your fellow passengers, the 2019 CX-9 gets the job done. With features loved by both kids and parents, top-notch efficiency, and more, the 2019 Mazda CX-9 is arguably the road-trip vehicle of the year. Once you've been behind the wheel, the CX-9 might just become the best road-trip vehicle of all time. Check out our inventory of 2019 CX-9's for sale in Wichita at Davis-Moore Mazda. Image via MazdaUSA.com

Although Wichita lacks a Big Four professional sports team, that doesn't mean the city is devoid of sporting events throughout the year. With a mix of pro, semi-pro, minor league, university, and local sports teams to satiate the desires of even the most hardcore sports fans, Wichita is an energetic, athletic city. The next time you're in the mood, check out a few of these places for the best sporting events in Wichita. 1. INTRUST Bank Arena If you can't get enough of the high-flying, fast-paced action of ice hockey, make the trip over to INTRUST Bank Arena. This 15,004-seat stadium in the heart of Wichita is home to the Wichita Thunder of the ECHL. This minor-league affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers has played in the city since 1992, and with tickets starting at just $11, there aren't many more affordable ways to have fun. more INTRUST Bank Arena is also home to the Wichita Force of the Champions Indoor Football League (CIF). In the four seasons of the CIF, the Force have made the playoffs three times, including a victory in Champions Bowl II in 2016. Single-game tickets start at just $12, but you can also sit front row for only $32. There's no other place where you can get that close to the action for such a small sum. 2. Charles Koch Arena Under the guidance of head coach Gregg Marshall, the Wichita State University men's basketball team has become one of the top teams in college basketball and the American Athletic Conference (AAC). With seven NCAA Tournament appearances since 2013, a Sweet Sixteen, and a Final Four, few other teams in the country can boast such a resume. At the 10,506-seat Charles Koch Arena, you can see the Shockers in action as they make their bid for another NCAA Tournament appearance. Although not as successful as the men's team, the women's basketball team is always up for a challenge, taking on championship-caliber conference foes such as UConn, UCF, and Cincinnati. Tickets for both the men's and women's teams vary by date, seat, and opponent. 3. Stryker Soccer Complex Founded in 2013, FC Wichita is a member of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) in the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid. Since being added to the NPSL, FC Wichita has won the league title three times, making it one of the most successful clubs in the league. Although technically a semi-pro team, FC Wichita has players from across the globe who've played in some of North America's most prestigious leagues and divisions. In 2017, FC Wichita also added a women's team, making it the first professional women's soccer team in the city. Both teams play their home games at the 6,100-seat Stryker Soccer Complex, which recently underwent a $22 million renovation to make it one of the top fields in the game outside of Major League Soccer. No matter what your favorite sport, Wichita has a venue and a team that are destined to become one of your favorites. https://www.flickr.com/photos/mark6mauno/16016268977/sizes/l Image via Flickr by mark6mauno

Situated on the banks of the Arkansas River in southern Kansas, Wichita is the largest and arguably the most interesting city in the state. Rich with culture, history, sports, and more, it's the top destination for visitors and a place that locals love. Whether you're planning a trip to the city or just want to learn more about where you're from, here are a few interesting facts about the City of Wichita. 1. Home of the Keeper of the Plains One of the most iconic symbols of Wichita is the Keeper of the Plains. Located at the confluence of the Little Arkansas River and the Arkansas River, this 44-foot-tall steel sculpture was designed by Kiowa-Comanche artist Blackbear Bosin and erected in 1974. Styled in the shape of a Native American in a headdress with a tomahawk, the sculpture is also surrounded by displays that document the tribes that used to call the area home. Stop by at night to see the statue illuminated by fire pits in the foreground of the city skyline. more 2. Where Pizza Hut and White Castle Were Founded If you've ever chowed down on some " belly bombers " or stuffed-crust pizza, you have Wichita to thank. Opened in Wichita in 1921, White Castle is the stuff of legends, commonly quoted by the likes of the Beastie Boys and enjoyed by night owls everywhere. Oddly enough, the chain has pulled out of the Wichita market over the past 100 years, but the origins of your mini-burgers are always good to know. In 1958, brothers Dan and Frank Carney opened the first Pizza Hut on the campus of Wichita State University. Not only did the business take off, but the brothers also implemented the revolutionary idea of pizza delivery years before their competitors. Sixty years later, the franchise has over 18,000 locations in 100 countries and $12 billion in sales, making it the largest and most profitable pizza chain in the world. 3. Known as the Air Capital of the World Wichita has a long-standing partnership with the aviation industry. In 1920, Wichita-based E.M. Laird Airplane Manufacturing Co. became the first manufacturer of commercial airplanes in the United States. During WWII, Wichita produced 44 percent of all aircraft for the war effort. Following the war, companies such as Cessna, Beechcraft, and Boeing have all produced airplanes or airplane parts in the city, giving Wichita the nickname "Air Capital of the World." 4. Home to the Seventh Largest Zoo in the Country Covering 247 acres, the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita is the seventh-largest zoo in the country. Upon opening in 1971, the zoo quickly became the city's most popular attraction with over 2,500 animals across 500 species. Today, the zoo hosts over 650,000 visitors a year with exhibits including the Gorilla Forest, the Pride of the Plains, Penguin Cover, Tiger Trek, and See Eye to Eye with Giraffes. Admission is $15.95 for adults and $11.95 for children. With so many interesting tidbits and attractions, Wichita is an undiscovered gem that's worth a visit. You might just end up calling it one of your favorite cities. Image via Flickr by Ty Nigh: https://www.flickr.com/photos/tynigh/769780607/sizes/l

Having your car break down can be a frightening and nerve-wracking experience. To help alleviate some of that fear and get you back on the road as soon as possible, here is a step-by-step guide of what you should do in the event your car breaks down. 1. Always Be Prepared The most important step to take in handling a breakdown is being prepared. There are all sorts of problems a car can experience on the road from a blown out tire to the electrical system shorting out, and not taking proper precautions like having an emergency kit on board can make the experience much more harrowing. more Being prepared doesn't just stop with having an emergency kit in the trunk of your car. For instance, if you are planning a long trip then definitely have a mechanic perform an inspection prior to leaving. They will check the fluids, filters, lights, wipers, and other important things your car needs to run correctly. Another important component in being prepared is knowing what the road conditions will be like where you are driving. Check the weather ahead of time and make note of any emergency announcements that pertain to the route you intend to take. Knowing what to expect is one of the best tools for avoiding an untimely breakdown. 2. Maneuver out of Harm's Way The biggest danger for anyone who has the misfortune of their car breaking down is the traffic around them. This can be especially dangerous on crowded freeways or during rush hour traffic. The best thing to do if you're experiencing any sort of malfunction is to get out of the way of traffic. Depending on the situation, this can mean pulling off on the right shoulder, taking an off-ramp, or pulling into a median if necessary. Once you are safely pulled over, exit through whichever side is not facing traffic and find a safe place to stand while keeping some distance from your car. Make sure to keep your car's hazard lights on and set up reflective triangles or flares to alert other vehicles on the road. 3. Calling for Help Once the inevitable has happened, depending on the severity of the situation, you'll need to get in touch with emergency services or a tow truck. If you're not involved in an accident or in harm's way, then you will probably only need the help of a 24-hour emergency roadside assistance service. They can offer you a jump, change a tire, put some fuel in your tank, and perform other minimal services to get you back on the road. They also can tow your car to the nearest mechanic. If the circumstances of your breakdown are more severe then you may need to get in touch with emergency services. To help expedite the process, figure out your location and as many details as possible before calling 911. Your car breaking down can be anywhere from an annoyance to dangerous depending on the situation. That is why it is so important to be prepared for whatever circumstances you might find yourself in. Image via Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/photos/rain-side-mirror-car-window-mirror-2511226/

Wichita is a treasure trove of cultural and historical exhibits that can be found in a number of museums throughout the area. Depending on what your particular interests might be, one of these museums is sure to pique your interest and prompt a visit in the near future. more 1. Mid-American All-Indian Center This museum and cultural center is dedicated to preserving and educating people about the Native American tribes throughout the Midwestern region of the United States. There are exhibits regarding all aspects of Native American life from the homes in which they live to the moccasins on their feet. In addition to the exhibits on hand, there are events where patrons can learn about bead making, taste authentic Native American cuisine, or participate in a sculpting class. The center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For ticket prices, check out their admission information online or call them at (316) 350-3340. 2. Kansas Sports Hall of Fame Founded in 1961 through a bill passed by Kansas legislature, this non-profit hall of fame and museum celebrates everything and everyone that has to do with sports in the great state of Kansas. This not only covers top-level college and pro athletes, but also those high school students who thrived in sports as diverse as football, bowling, and everything in between. In addition to the exhibits on display, there are a host of famous Kansan speakers and events planned throughout the year. For information on tickets and admission, call them at (316) 262-2038. 3. Great Plains Transportation Museum This museum is dedicated to the restoration, research, acquisition, exhibition, and education of the unique history of railroading throughout the Great Plains of the United States. Their collection includes artifacts and paperwork from the famous Santa Fe and Union Pacific railroads in addition to many others. There are interactive exhibits that can be explored and a gift shop full of assorted swag to bring home as a souvenir. The museum is open throughout the year and group tours can be arranged by appointment. For more information, they can be reached at (316) 263-0944. 4. Museum of World Treasures If you're looking for a museum with a variety of artifacts on display, the Museum of World Treasures is an excellent choice. There are exhibits dedicated to dinosaurs, World War I, Egyptian Mummies, and many other eras and events throughout human history. This museum offers something for everyone, regardless of their interests. There is also a banquet room that patrons can rent out for birthdays, weddings, or any other special event. The museum is open seven days a week. For ticket information, they can be contacted by phone at (316) 263-1311. There are many different specialty museums throughout the Wichita area with a wide variety of themes that are sure to appeal to everyone regardless of where their particular interests lie. Make sure to check out one of these museums and learn about a little piece of what makes this area so amazing. Image via Flickr by Fireboat895