Nov 1, 2019
A tiger at a local zoo in Wichita, KS

Family time is special and memorable, especially when it involves making new discoveries. During planned or spontaneous outings, take advantage of the exciting attractions Wichita residents and visitors can enjoy. Here are a few unique experiences Wichita has to offer:

Dinosaurs Like Never Before

If you are looking for a family-friendly experience you will never forget, take a trip to Derby, where you’ll find the theme park Field Station: Dinosaurs. This interactive park is packed with prehistoric exhibits. You and your family will be transported to a land before time, surrounded by ancient creatures that come alive with the use of animatronics.  

The exhibits are both exhilarating and informative. Each exhibit offers important facts about the displayed dinosaur. You can also become an honorary paleontologist! The park is open during the spring (end of April to May) on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Their summer hours, from June to August, are Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The park is open on Memorial Day and Independence Day as well.

Up-Close Animal Encounters

Create unforgettable memories by coming face-to-face with your favorite creatures. Located in Wichita, the Sedgwick County Zoo houses both native and exotic wildlife. This zoo ranks seventh out of the top 10 largest zoos in the United States. It is home to more than a whopping 3,000 critters and 400 different species. This 25-acre outdoor ecosystem boasts customized environments ideal for a wide variety of animals. Creatures from all over the globe are on display, including red pandas, apes, elephants, and more! The Sedgwick County Zoo transports visitors to five different continents to see and experience magnificent creatures up close. The zoo is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the summer and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the winter.

If you are looking for an up-close and personal animal encounter, try visiting the Tanganyika Wildlife Park. Located west of Wichita, it is just a short ride away. Here, you have the rare opportunity to feed and interact with a variety of unique creatures like giraffes, okapi, lemurs, and pigmy rhinos. Feeling adventurous? Take a dip with penguins! Looking to update your profile pic? Take a selfie with a kangaroo! The park is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

Old-Time Wichita

There are a lot of historical museums and attractions in and around Wichita. Take a ride over to the interactive Old Cowtown Museum and be transported back to Wichita’s cowtown days. There are homesteads, fully functioning shops, schoolhouses, and farm animals. Old Cowtown is complete with actors reenacting 19th-century life. The museum is open for visitors year-round but has reduced hours during the winter. 


The next time you are looking for something to do with the family, drive on over to one of these exciting attractions. They provide an interactive experience to keep the whole family engaged.

Image via Pixabay by Pexels