Best Times to Visit in Wichita, Kansas, United States

Wichita, United States, Wichita, General City Overview, Best Times to Visit

Best Times to Visit in Wichita, Kansas, United States

1. Wichita Riverfestival

A city-wide celebration held in late June featuring concerts, carnivals, and river activities.
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Offers a variety of events suitable for all ages, making it a great choice for families.
  • Live Music and Performances: Features renowned musicians and performers from across the country.
  • Community Spirit: Encourages community engagement and fosters a sense of unity among Wichita residents and visitors alike.

2. Kansas State Fair

Annual event held in mid-September offering food, entertainment, agriculture exhibits, and livestock shows.
  • Livestock Shows: Provides an opportunity to learn about various livestock breeds and farming practices.
  • Delicious Fair Food: Featuring local favorites like fried chicken on a stick and cream puffs.
  • Entertainment Galore: Offers concerts, rodeos, and other performances throughout the fairgrounds.

3. Wichita Art Museum

Houses a large collection of American and European art, including works by Renoir, O'Keeffe, and Warhol.
  • Temporary Exhibitions: Regularly hosts rotating exhibits showcasing various artists and themes.
  • Permanent Collection: Features an impressive collection of over 5,000 works spanning centuries of artistic development.
  • Educational Programs: Offers workshops and tours for visitors of all ages to learn more about the exhibits.

4. Old Cowtown Museum

An open-air museum showcasing Wichita's pioneer history and frontier life.
  • Historical Buildings: Features a collection of original and replica structures from the late 19th century.
  • Costumed Interpreters: Staff dressed in period attire demonstrate daily life on the frontier.
  • Interactive Experiences: Offers hands-on activities for visitors to try their hand at pioneer trades and crafts.

5. Wichita's Botanica Garden

A 10-acre garden featuring over 3,000 species of plants and a beautiful rose garden.
  • Seasonal Displays: Offers seasonal displays throughout the year, including an impressive array of roses during the summer.
  • Educational Programs: Provides educational resources about plants and their environmental impact.
  • Relaxing Environment: A peaceful oasis in the heart of Wichita, perfect for a leisurely stroll or quiet reflection.

6. Wichita's Sedgwick County Zoo

A large zoo featuring over 1,000 animals from around the world.
  • Diverse Animal Species: Features a wide variety of exotic and native animal species, including elephants, tigers, and giraffes.
  • Conservation Efforts: Dedicated to wildlife conservation through breeding programs and habitat preservation efforts.
  • Educational Programs: Offers educational opportunities for visitors, including animal encounters and behind-the-scenes tours.

7. Prairie Rose Chuckwagon Supper

A traditional cowboy dinner with live entertainment held at the Old Cowtown Museum.
  • Cowboy Cuisine: Serves hearty, delicious dishes like beef stew and apple cobbler.
  • Live Entertainment: Features cowboy music, poetry, and stories around the campfire.
  • Horse-Drawn Wagon Ride: Offers a scenic ride through the Old Cowtown Museum grounds after dinner.

8. Wichita's Symphony Orchestra Performances

A professional orchestra performing a wide range of classical music at various venues.
  • Variety of Music: Offers concerts featuring works by Mozart, Beethoven, and other classical composers.
  • Educational Programs: Provides pre-concert lectures and educational opportunities for visitors.
  • Collaborative Performances: Regularly collaborates with other local arts organizations for unique performances.

9. Wichita's Keeper of the Plains

A Native American sculpture overlooking the Arkansas River, symbolizing unity and peace.
  • Cultural Significance: Represents the interconnectedness of nature, humans, and spirit worlds.
  • Scenic Location: Located in a beautiful park along the Arkansas River, offering breathtaking views.
  • Community Gathering Place: Serves as a gathering place for ceremonies, events, and celebrations throughout the year.

10. Wichita's Orpheum Theatre

A historic theater hosting a variety of performances, including plays, musicals, and concerts.
  • Historical Architecture: Features ornate, Art Deco-style interior and exterior design.
  • Diverse Performances: Offers a wide range of performances catering to various interests and ages.
  • Classic Movie Screenings: Regularly screens classic films on its historic stage.

11. Wichita's Exploration Place

An interactive science center focusing on education and fun for all ages.
  • Hands-On Exhibits: Features over 200 exhibits for visitors to touch, see, and interact with.
  • Educational Programs: Offers workshops and camps focused on STEM education.
  • Special Events: Hosts events like Science Sleepovers, Star Parties, and more.

12. Wichita's Museum of World Treasures

A museum showcasing artifacts from ancient civilizations to modern history.
  • World Cultures: Features over 28,000 artifacts from around the world.
  • Educational Programs: Provides educational resources about various cultures and historical periods.
  • Interactive Experiences: Offers hands-on activities for visitors to explore different cultures and time periods.

13. Wichita's Wichita Center for the Arts

A center for visual and performing arts featuring local and national artists.
  • Visual Art Exhibits: Features rotating exhibitions of paintings, sculptures, and other visual art.
  • Performing Arts: Offers performances in dance, theatre, and music from local and national artists.
  • Educational Programs: Provides workshops, classes, and other educational opportunities for visitors.

14. Wichita's Sedgwick County Park

A large park featuring a lake, walking trails, picnic areas, and a carousel.
  • Scenic Lake: Offers beautiful views of the lake and surrounding nature.
  • Recreational Activities: Features a variety of activities like boating, fishing, and biking.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: A great place for families to spend a day enjoying the outdoors and each other's company.

15. Wichita's Airbus Americas Training Center

A flight training center offering tours, simulator rides, and aviation history exhibits.
  • Flight Simulator Rides: Allows visitors to experience flying a plane in a simulated environment.
  • Aviation History: Offers exhibits on the history of aviation and Wichita's role in the industry.
  • Tours: Provides guided tours of the facility, including the flight simulators and training rooms.