LocalBuzzWichita

LocalBuzz · Wichita · Sedgwick County / South Central Kansas

Wichita — Sun, Sep 27

Issue
#— · Sun, Sep 27
Window
Sep 27–27, 2026

Deals

8 items · Commerce with a window — restaurant specials, admission discounts, ticket promos.

Wichita Explore Card Returns With Free $2 Discounts at 12 Local Attractions

Wichita Explore Card Returns With Free $2 Discounts at 12 Local Attractions

Twelve Wichita attractions, one free card, $2 off each.

  • Visit Wichita
  • Discount Card
  • Family Activities
  • Museums
  • Free
  • Attractions

The free Wichita Explore Card is back for another year, giving locals and visitors $2 off admission at twelve Wichita-area attractions. Run by Visit Wichita, the punch-card-style pass is free to grab and, according to Wichita on the Cheap, can save cardholders up to $22 per person across every participating stop. It is valid through December 31, so cardholders have plenty of time to space their visits out across the seasons. The mix runs from a botanical garden to a wildlife park in Goddard.

The card works on a simple premise: $2 off each person's first visit to every participating attraction. Staff punch the card as visitors arrive, which means each stop has to be a separate first visit to collect the discount. That setup is built for casual repeat-use, not a weekend sprint through every museum in town. For families without memberships to any of these places, the savings compound quickly, and the card nudges you toward institutions you might otherwise skip: a heritage museum here, an aviation hangar there, a working farmstead in Old Cowtown. It functions, in effect, as a year-long sampler pass for Wichita's cultural core, and at zero upfront cost it is a no-brainer to pick one up.

Want one in hand before your first outing? Stop by the Visit Wichita office at 515 S. Main St., Suite 115, in downtown Wichita. Don't want to make a special trip? Pay full price at the first participating attraction and ask staff for a card on the way out; you can start using it from stop two onward. Once you've got the card in your wallet, there's no further registration to keep up with. Each attraction holds onto the card between visits, so a free family day out to the zoo becomes a starter punch rather than a logistical project.

The twelve attractions on this year's card include Botanica (701 N. Amidon), Exploration Place (300 N. McLean Blvd.), Field Station: Dinosaurs (2999 N. Rock Rd., Derby), the Sedgwick County Zoo (5555 Zoo Blvd.), Old Cowtown Museum (1865 W. Museum Blvd.), the Museum of World Treasures (835 E. First St.), the Kansas African-American Museum (601 N. Water), the Mid-America All-Indian Center (650 N. Seneca), the Kansas Aviation Museum (3350 George Washington Blvd.), the Wichita Art Museum (1400 W. Museum Blvd.), the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum (204 S. Main), and Tanganyika Wildlife Park (1000 S. Hawkins Lane, Goddard). Wichita on the Cheap notes that at least one new attraction has joined the program this year. For more information, call Visit Wichita at 316-265-2800 or visit the VisitWichita website. The card is free, the discounts are real, and the only limit is how many of those twelve stops your family can fit in before December 31.

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$3 Admission at Old Cowtown Museum for EBT Cardholders

$3 Admission at Old Cowtown Museum for EBT Cardholders

Wichita history for three bucks with your EBT card

  • Museum
  • Discount
  • Ebt
  • Snap
  • Old Cowtown
  • Museums For All
  • Wichita History
  • Family Friendly
  • Living History

Old Cowtown Museum in Wichita now charges just $3 for admission to visitors who present a current EBT card and a photo ID, according to a City of Wichita News Flash announcement. The reduced rate comes through Museums for All, a nationwide program that opens cultural institutions to households receiving federal SNAP food assistance. Anyone holding an active EBT card qualifies for the discount at the participating museum, with no advance registration or paperwork required. The flat $3 fee covers general admission regardless of the visitor's age.

Museums for All operates at more than 1,500 museums across the United States, from large urban art museums to small regional history sites like Old Cowtown. The program is administered in partnership with the Association of Children's Museums and supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, with the goal of removing the cost barrier that keeps many low-income families from regular museum visits. The reduced rate typically runs around $3 per person at participating sites, regardless of age. For a Wichita family on a tight budget, the discount can turn a visit to Old Cowtown from a special occasion into a routine afternoon out, according to organizers behind Museums for All.

To get the $3 rate, visitors stop at the museum's admission desk with both an EBT card and a valid government-issued photo ID for verification. The EBT card cannot itself be used to pay the discounted admission, so visitors need cash, credit, or debit to cover the $3 charge. The discount applies to the standard general admission ticket and is available during regular museum hours, no coupon or code required. Visitors who do not have an EBT card pay the museum's regular general admission rate, which the source announcement did not specify. The museum recommends calling ahead for group rates or to confirm pricing for special events.

Old Cowtown Museum sits in Wichita along the Arkansas River just west of downtown. The museum typically operates Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sundays from 1 pm to 5 pm, closed Mondays. General admission prices run higher than the $3 EBT rate, though the city announcement did not list standard adult or child pricing, so visitors should check the museum's website for current rates. The City of Wichita directs visitors to the Museums for All: For Visitors page for additional details about the national program, including a map of all participating museums.

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Wichita happy hour drinks and appetizers at a local bar

Wichita Happy Hour Roundup: Best Drink and Appetizer Deals Across Town

Half-price apps, $5 cocktails, and the longest weekday windows in town

  • Happy Hour
  • Drink Deals
  • Wichita Bars
  • Restaurants
  • Cocktails
  • Beer
  • Apps
  • Date Night

Wichita's happy hour scene runs deeper than most locals realize. A roundup from Wichita on the Cheap catalogs specials at more than two dozen bars, restaurants, breweries, and sports pubs across the metro, with most running between 3 pm and 6 pm on weekdays. The deals run the full price spectrum, from $2 off well cocktails at neighborhood joints to $8 wine flights and half-price appetizers at upscale sit-down spots. Several chains run standardized windows, while independent bars lean on rotating weekly themes to keep regulars coming back.

The Belmont holds the longest weekday window of any venue on the list, running Tuesday through Friday from 11 am to 6 pm with $8 glasses of wine and house cocktails, plus $10 beer pitchers. Bella Luna Cafe stacks two daily windows: 3 pm to 6 pm weekdays for $4 signature martinis, plus an all-day Tuesday and Thursday extension on the same cocktails. BJ's Brewhouse anchors the west side with a 3 pm to 7 pm weekday block and a 9 pm to close nightcap, pairing $5 handcrafted beers and $7 personal deep-dish pizzas. Chain deals stay consistent, with Chili's locking every happy hour drink at $4.75 across all three Wichita locations, four to seven pm weekdays.

Weeknight themes give the roundup its real flavor. Hopping Gnome Brewing pours any beer for $4 every Wednesday. Douglas Social runs Tequila Tuesday with $6 pours of any tequila, plus $2 off signature cocktails Wednesday and Thursday. The James & Rye stacks four-day coverage with $5 select cocktails Wednesday through Saturday and half-priced wine across the same stretch. Chicken N Pickle blends indoor pickleball with a 3 pm to 6 pm block featuring $2 off signature cocktails, margaritas, and local beer. Sports bars get their own treatment: Emerson Biggin's runs half-price drinks all day Monday and during every Royals and Chiefs broadcast, with $6 appetizers and $6.99 taco baskets on the side.

Practical details vary by venue. Most happy hours run Monday through Friday between 3 pm and 6 pm, but several extend to 7 pm or run all day on slower weekdays. AJ's Music Room stretches from 2 pm to 7 pm daily with $2.25 wells and $2.75 domestic bottles. Blue Hook Cajun Seafood & Bar runs half-price appetizers Monday through Thursday and all day Sunday, with daily drink themes ranging from $6 Blue Hook Lemonade on Mondays to $4 hurricanes on Sundays. Many venues note prices exclude specialty items, so calling ahead is the move. The Belmont, Bella Luna Cafe, BJ's Brewhouse, Chili's, Chicken N Pickle, The Hill, The James & Rye, The Kitchen, and dozens of other spots are listed with addresses and phone numbers on the Wichita on the Cheap page. Before heading out, confirm the deal is still active, since menus rotate and specials can change without notice.

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Music Theatre Wichita 2027 Season Subscriptions Now on Sale

Music Theatre Wichita 2027 Season Subscriptions Now on Sale

Save up to 20% and lock in the best seats

  • Music Theatre Wichita
  • Subscriptions
  • 2027 Season
  • Theater
  • Tickets
  • Season Tickets

Music Theatre Wichita has opened subscriptions for its 2027 season, offering up to 20% savings compared to buying individual show tickets, along with priority seating and several subscriber-only perks. According to the theater's website, 2027 season subscriptions are now on sale and can be purchased through the MTWichita box office at 316-265-3107. The subscription window is the first chance most patrons get to lock in seats for the next year of mainstage productions.

The subscription package is built around three core benefits, according to MTWichita. Subscribers save up to 20% off single-ticket prices across the full season, receive free ticket exchanges within the same production if schedules change, and get the opportunity to upgrade their seats or purchase additional single tickets before they go on sale to the general public. Subscribers also receive printed tickets ahead of each performance rather than dealing with will-call lines. Together, these perks are designed to reward the theater's most committed patrons with both savings and convenience.

For Wichita theatergoers who plan to attend more than one show, a subscription typically beats the per-ticket math. Music Theatre Wichita generally programs five mainstage productions per season at its home venue, and a subscription bundles the full slate into a single purchase. Subscribers also sidestep the scramble when popular titles sell out, since they hold first access to extra seats before public on-sale windows open. For families, the printed-ticket delivery and free exchanges are practical perks on top of the discount.

To subscribe, call the MTWichita box office at 316-265-3107. A $10 order fee is added to each season ticket order, not per ticket purchased. All patrons must be at least 5 years old to attend MTWichita shows. Subscription rate tiers and the full list of 2027 productions are posted on the Music Theatre Wichita website, where patrons can review each title before committing.

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Save Up to 20% on Music Theatre Wichita Group Tickets

Save Up to 20% on Music Theatre Wichita Group Tickets

Broadway caliber shows, group sized savings

  • Music Theatre Wichita
  • Group Sales
  • Broadway
  • Discount
  • Theater

Music Theatre Wichita is offering groups up to 20% off single tickets for its Broadway caliber productions, according to the theater's group sales page. The discount applies to the entire group order, with the exact savings depending on the show, performance date, and seating section. Rates can change as the season progresses, and MTWichita recommends calling early for the best chance at the deepest discounts. Single tickets go on sale the first week of April, but groups get priority access to the best seats well before single buyers see the seat map.

Beyond the savings, MTWichita pairs every group with a dedicated concierge who handles seat selection, group size changes, and payment logistics. Groups of any size can adjust their headcount up until show day, with no penalties for adding or dropping people along the way. That flexibility makes the program work for family reunions, office outings, church groups, and friend trips alike. MTWichita says its concierge service gives groups a one-of-a-kind experience, from the first reservation call through the post-show lobby photo.

Paying is flexible too. Groups can pay the full amount at the time of reservation, or each member can call the box office individually to settle up. Payment is due one week before the performance, and the box office will work with groups that need a little extra time so seats are not released at the last minute. There is no need to chase friends for checks; MTWichita will handle the follow-up by phone or email.

Group tickets go on sale in spring 2026, and MTWichita recommends booking early to lock in the best seats before single ticket buyers claim them. To reserve a group outing, call Patron Services Manager Cheyenne at 316-265-3107 or email boxoffice@mtwichita.org. Groups also receive a customized sign in the lobby on show night, a free photo op that turns the outing into a small event of its own and earns a little extra recognition for the guest of honor.

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Wichita Lunches Under $7: 18 Cheap Spots to Try

Wichita Lunches Under $7: 18 Cheap Spots to Try

Eighteen Wichita lunch counters with full meals under seven bucks.

  • Lunch
  • Cheap Eats
  • Wichita
  • Budget
  • Local Restaurants

When the brown bag loses its charm or you forget your sandwich on the counter, a cheap Wichita lunch is the move. According to Wichita on the Cheap, more than 18 spots across the city serve up combo plates, sandwiches, and slice deals that stay at or under $7, and the majority are local, Wichita-owned businesses worth supporting.

Burgers lead the pack. NuWay's Crumble Burger runs $4.49 with no side, Sport Burger (cash only) goes $1.59 for a regular hamburger and $3.59 for the giant, and Berneal's Carryout sells 99-cent cheeseburgers. West Street Burgers pairs a single with a small fry for $5.88, and Spangles packs a Classic American meal (burger, fries, drink, ice cream) for $6.95. For fried chicken, Kripsy's covers a Chicken Fried Steak meal for $4.99, three-piece tenders for $3.99, and chicken and waffles for $4.49.

Mexican and Latin spots dominate the lower end of the list. Pupusas run $1.95-$2.25 at Usuluteco and a flat $2 at Pupuseria El Torogoz, with three empanadas for $5. Los Pinos sells street tacos with chips and salsa for $2.45 each. Rene's serves a bacon breakfast burrito for $4.45 and two enchiladas for $4.20. Alejandro's burritos top out at $5.35, and Cholita's runs a $5.29 taco meal on Mondays and a $5.29 tostada meal on Tuesdays. Mexico Viejo offers $5.99 lunch specials, and Old Mill Tasty Shop pairs a peanut butter and honey sandwich with chips for $6.25.

A handful of spots keep weekday specials worth knowing. Ty's Diner's chicken strip basket with fries is $6.29, and sandwiches run $3.39-$5.99. Tj's Burger House sells dinner-size salads for $5.28-$6.28 and a bowl of chili for $4.58. M&M Bierock has a meal deal (bierock, chips, drink, pickle) for $5.00. Japan Express offers fried rice entrees from $4.95-$6.49. Emerson Biggin's runs $5 tacos on Mondays and $5 single-topping pizzas on Thursdays. Two locations, Sport Burger and Fried Rice, are cash only, so plan accordingly. Prices were compiled by Wichita on the Cheap; confirm with each restaurant before you go.

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Music Theatre Wichita 2026 Season Subscriptions Now On Sale

Music Theatre Wichita 2026 Season Subscriptions Now On Sale

Music Theatre Wichita's 2026 season subscriptions are on sale at Century II, with up to 20% off single tickets and priority seat access for members.

  • Theatre
  • Subscription
  • Music Theatre Wichita
  • Century Ii
  • 2026 Season
  • Musicals

Music Theatre Wichita opened 2026 season subscriptions at Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center, offering savings of up to 20% on individual ticket prices along with first access to the best available seats. According to the Century II website, the subscription window is live now for the upcoming season of professional musicals in downtown Wichita.

Season members receive several perks beyond the discount. Subscribers can exchange tickets for free within the same production, upgrade their seats when better options open up, and purchase additional single tickets before they go on sale to the general public. Printed tickets are mailed out for each show, removing the scramble at the box office on performance days.

For families and regular theatre-goers in Wichita, a season subscription is the most economical way to see the full slate of Music Theatre Wichita productions. The savings stack across every show in the season, and the priority seat selection means subscribers get first pick of the orchestra and dress circle before single-ticket buyers compete for the leftovers.

Subscriptions and season membership details are posted on the Music Theatre Wichita page at the Century II website. Century II is at 225 West Douglas Avenue in downtown Wichita, with the box office typically open weekdays. The 2026 season lineup and subscription pricing tiers are listed at the source link below; interested subscribers can become a season member directly through that page.

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Park City Wide Garage Sale Returns September 26

Park City Wide Garage Sale Returns September 26

Park City hosts its City Wide Garage Sale on Saturday, September 26, with $5 permits available at the City Administration Center.

  • Garage Sale
  • Park City
  • Community Event
  • Bargains
  • Wichita Metro

Park City will host its City Wide Garage Sale on Saturday, September 26. The City of Park City posted the event on its Civic Alerts page, the city's main channel for community announcements, and is inviting residents to pick up permits at the City Administration Center to take part as sellers. The format is a long-running tradition: instead of each household scheduling its own weekend, the city lines up an official date so that bargain hunters can plan a single drive for maximum coverage.

Permits cost $5 for the first day, with up to two additional sale days available at $1 each, according to the city's posting. The structure keeps the upfront cost modest for residents looking to clear out a closet, garage, attic, or storage unit without committing to the heavier time and price tag of an estate-style sale. For households that downsized, finished a remodel, or simply accumulated more than they need, the low permit price makes participation practical.

City-wide sales tend to draw bargain hunters from across the Wichita metro because the format concentrates listings in one town rather than scattering them across individual online posts. A single morning of focused driving can replace a weekend of chasing leads through secondhand marketplaces, and sellers benefit from the shared promotion the city lends to the official date. The collective turnout also tends to surface inventory that's harder to find in ordinary weekend sales, including hand-me-down furniture, kids' gear, sporting equipment, older electronics, and the occasional one-off find.

To sell, pick up a permit at the City Administration Center ahead of sale day. To shop, plan a route through Park City on September 26 and browse driveways as you go. Small bills and an empty trunk are the practical gear; some shoppers bring a measuring tape for furniture and a battery tester for electronics. Late September in south-central Kansas usually delivers cool mornings that keep a long loop through town comfortable.

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Things To Do

27 items · Date-bound happenings for a general audience — festivals, street fairs, family events.

Scouts BSA Merit Badge Workshops Return to Museum of World Treasures in 2026

Scouts BSA Merit Badge Workshops Return to Museum of World Treasures in 2026

  • Scouts
  • Bsa
  • Merit Badges
  • Education
  • Museum
  • Wichita
  • Youth
  • Archaeology
  • History

The Museum of World Treasures in Wichita is hosting a full slate of Scouts BSA merit badge workshops throughout 2026. The hands-on sessions, designed for scouts ages 11 to 17, align with official badge requirements and pair guided museum exploration with interactive activities. Nine workshop dates are scheduled across the year, starting with Archaeology on April 11, 2026.

The museum has built a roster of four merit badge offerings that draw on its permanent exhibits. The American Heritage workshop uses the Founding of America exhibit, which includes an 1843 copy of the Declaration of Independence, to connect national milestones to local history. Citizenship in the Nation leans on the Hall of Presidents and founding documents, asking scouts to analyze pivotal speeches and historical events that shaped American democracy, according to the museum's program page.

The Archaeology workshop takes scouts through a simulated dig using real artifacts, exploring how ancient civilizations lived, worked, and worshipped. Citizenship in the World examines the impact of the World Wars and the role of international law, cooperation, and conflict in shaping today's global community. Each session is led through the museum's exhibits, giving scouts a chance to engage directly with primary sources and curated collections.

Workshops are scheduled on Saturdays in 2026: Archaeology on April 11, August 8, and December 12; Citizenship in the World on May 9 and September 12; American Heritage on June 13 and October 10; and Citizenship in the Nation on July 11 and November 14. Registration closes the Wednesday before each scheduled workshop, and all scout attendees must be accompanied by scout leadership or a guardian. The museum also offers an Education Resource Center for groups planning broader educational visits, and scouts and troop leaders can join the museum's email list for registration deadline reminders and notifications about newly added workshops.

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Little Explorers Apple Hat session at Museum of World Treasures

Little Explorers Apple Hat session at Museum of World Treasures

A relaxed Thursday morning play-based program for ages 2 to 5 with craft, storytime, and free play at Museum of World Treasures

When
Thu, Sep 24 · 4:00 AM – 5:00 AM
Where
Museum of World Treasures
Tickets
Free / no ticket
  • Toddlers
  • Preschool
  • Museum
  • Storytime
  • Craft
  • Free Play

Little Explorers at the Museum of World Treasures returns Thursday, September 24, 2026 with a new session themed Apple Hat, running from 9 to 10 AM. The relaxed, play-based program is designed for young learners ages 2 to 5 and their grown-ups, giving families an unhurried way to experience the museum during a quieter morning hour, according to the museum's program page. Sessions take place every Thursday of the month at the same time, with a different theme each week, so families can drop in whenever the morning topic catches their eye.

Each Little Explorers session blends three core elements: a themed craft, free play in the museum's Ivan's Playhouse, and a short storytime during the final 15 minutes. For the September 24 Apple Hat session, the featured story is the book Acorn was a Little Wild by Jen Arena, and the craft ties to the apple-and-acorn fall theme with a take-home paper hat. The format is built to let young children explore at their own pace rather than follow a strict schedule, which is part of the program's appeal for first-time museum visitors in the toddler set and for caregivers who want a low-pressure morning outing.

The Thursday morning slot is also designed with families in mind. The 9 AM start is intentional; it falls before the museum's busiest daytime hours, so toddlers can move through activities and play without the sensory load that sometimes comes with bigger daytime visits. For local families with preschoolers, the program offers a reliable midweek activity that does not require a long day commitment, and the one-hour window is easy to fit between nap schedules.

Pricing is straightforward. Children 5 and under attend free. Everyone else pays $7. Museum members are also free, per the program page on the Museum of World Treasures website. The session is designed for ages 2 to 5, with grown-ups expected to stay and participate throughout. The museum itself opens to the general public after the program wraps at 10 AM, so families who want a longer visit can stay and explore the broader exhibits. Registration details are not described on the source page, so families should check the museum's website or contact staff ahead of their visit.

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Storytime in the Park at Naftzger Park

Storytime in the Park at Naftzger Park

Free books, music, and snacks at downtown Wichita's Naftzger Park

When
Tue, Sep 22 · 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Where
Naftzger Park
Tickets
Free / no ticket
  • Storytime
  • Kids
  • Family
  • Free
  • Naftzger Park
  • Downtown Wichita
  • Outdoor Storytime
  • Early Literacy

Storytime in the Park returns to Naftzger Park on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 10 a.m., according to the City of Wichita civic calendar. The free event takes place at 601 E Douglas Avenue in downtown Wichita, where young readers will follow along with stories shown on a big outdoor screen. Children can also enjoy music, snacks, free books to take home, and a hands-on activity, all without leaving the park grounds. The morning format makes it a natural fit for families with toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary kids.

Storytime in the Park is a partnership between Storytime Village, a Wichita-based nonprofit focused on early childhood literacy, and the city's Park & Recreation department. Together, the two organizations take the traditional library read-aloud out of the building and into one of downtown's most popular green spaces. Naftzger Park sits just east of the Intrust Bank Arena, a shaded lawn with playground equipment and walking paths, easy to reach from nearby neighborhoods and well suited to a casual morning crowd of families.

For parents searching for a low-cost weekday outing, the event checks a lot of boxes. There is no admission fee, every child leaves with a free book to take home, and the morning timing keeps it from clashing with nap schedules or afternoon school pickups. Snacks are provided on site, so families do not need to pack extras. The combination of read-aloud stories, music, and a craft-style activity gives young children several ways to engage, even if sitting still is not their strong suit. The gathering also gives caregivers a chance to connect with other local families.

Storytime in the Park runs from 10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 22, at Naftzger Park, 601 E Douglas Avenue, Wichita, KS 67202. Admission is free, and no registration is required according to the city's calendar listing. Families should plan for a short morning visit, roughly under an hour, with plenty of room to spread out on the lawn. Street and lot parking are available around the downtown park, and the event is geared toward young children and their caregivers. A blanket or lawn chairs can make the read-aloud more comfortable for little ones.

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Wandering Wildflower Walk Returns Monthly to Chisholm Creek Park

Wandering Wildflower Walk Returns Monthly to Chisholm Creek Park

  • Wildflower
  • Chisholm Creek Park
  • Great Plains Nature Center
  • Native Plants
  • Free Event
  • Outdoors

The Great Plains Nature Center is hosting its Wandering Wildflower Walk through Chisholm Creek Park on Thursday, September 24, 2026, with the group gathering at 6 PM in the facility's main lot. According to the City of Wichita event calendar, this outing kicks off a recurring monthly series set for the last Thursday of every month. The format is intentionally casual: walkers meet by the large Great Plains Nature Center rock in the parking lot, depart together at about 6:05 PM, and move through the park while staff point out what's blooming and worth noticing.

Each route highlights plants currently in flower, along with other notable trees and shrubs native to the Wichita area. The naturalist-led format covers wildflower identification, the role of native plants in local ecology, and tips for recognizing species worth bringing into home landscapes. Participants can stop and ask questions throughout the walk, which keeps the tone closer to a casual conversation than a formal class. Organizers describe the experience as a chance to 'petal' through Chisholm Creek Park.

For Wichita families and curious adults, the monthly cadence turns a single outing into an easy year-long observation practice. There's no registration requirement, so drop-ins are welcome, and the free admission takes cost off the table. Because the series repeats on the last Thursday of every month, locals can essentially track the bloom calendar with their visits, watching wildflowers and foliage come and go across the seasons. The relaxed pace also welcomes beginners who just want a comfortable evening outside.

The walk is free and weather dependent, so checking conditions before heading out is a good idea. Organizers recommend bringing water, dressing for outdoor conditions, and packing a journal if note-taking sounds appealing. The Great Plains Nature Center sits at 6232 East 29th St N in northeast Wichita, with parking in the facility's large lot. After the September 24 launch, the series continues on the last Thursday of every month at 6 PM.

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Wichita YMCA Waives Joiner Fee Through Oct 6 With FALLSAVINGS Code

Greater Wichita YMCA is waiving its joiner fee for new members who sign up Sept. 21 through Oct. 6 with promo code FALLSAVINGS.

  • Ymca
  • Fitness
  • Membership
  • Family
  • Sports
  • Swim
  • Promo
  • Fall

The Greater Wichita YMCA is waiving its joiner fee for new members who sign up between Sept. 21 and Oct. 6 using promo code FALLSAVINGS, according to the organization's website. The promotion covers the upfront joiner cost only; the standard monthly membership rate still applies, and the deal is good for any new membership started inside that roughly two-week window. Anyone who has been curious about the Y but balked at the upfront fee now has a clean window to sign up.

A standard YMCA membership unlocks access to every Greater Wichita YMCA branch across the metro, including hundreds of weekly group exercise classes, wellness programs, and member discounts on youth sports leagues and after-school programming. The Y pitches itself as a community hub where second graders can pick up swim skills and middle schoolers can plug into after-school care, with membership dollars helping fund programs that reach well beyond the gym floor. Members also get first access to swim lessons, which fill quickly once school starts, and a roster of seasonal sports that includes basketball, soccer, and volleyball for the kids.

For households not ready for a full membership, YMCA 360+ runs $9.99 per month. That tier includes all-access YMCA 360 on-demand video content, point-earning and reward redemptions, activity tracking, and two monthly facility visits to any Greater Wichita YMCA branch, with water parks included in those visits. It is the entry point the organization pitches for anyone who wants to try the Y without committing to a full membership, and the digital side travels well for households that don't live near a branch.

To claim the deal, new members need to start their membership between Sept. 21 and Oct. 6 and enter FALLSAVINGS at signup. Sign-ups are open at ymcawichita.org/join or in person at any Greater Wichita YMCA branch. The waiver covers the joiner fee only, not the recurring monthly dues, so plan for the standard rate on top of the savings. Anyone with questions about the promo can call their nearest branch for help at signup.

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Wichita's Party At the Net tennis social returns October 3

Wichita's Party At the Net tennis social returns October 3

Rotating doubles, triples, and a social chaser.

  • Tennis
  • Outdoors
  • Free
  • Wichita
  • City Of Wichita
  • Parks
  • Doubles
  • Social Sports

Wichita tennis players, mark Saturday, October 3 on your calendar. Party At the Net returns to the courts at 551 Nims from 1 p.m. on, with a day built around rotating doubles, triples play, and a social hour to close things out. The City of Wichita event is open to newcomers and seasoned players alike, with event staff on hand to pair up anyone without a partner. Whether you've been playing for years or never picked up a racquet, the format is designed to keep everyone moving and mixing throughout the afternoon.

The centerpiece is Up & Down the River Doubles, a fast-paced rotating format that ranks courts from top to bottom by skill. Teams play 25-minute matches, then winners move up a court while losers slide down. Partners split after every round so you pair with a fresh teammate each match, and the rotation continues until the final round. It's the same idea as a casual golf scramble or a pickup basketball run, applied to tennis: the scoring is friendly, the competition is real, and the social side is the whole point.

Once doubles wraps, the format shifts to Triples Tennis Play. A quick demo introduces the three-player team rules, then everyone jumps in. After the final matches end, the social hour takes over with refreshments and room to swap match highlights with the people you just spent the afternoon on court with. The whole event runs through the late afternoon, so plan to spend a chunk of your Saturday at the courts rather than squeezing it between errands.

Registration is required through the City of Wichita calendar page, and a spot is not guaranteed until registration is confirmed. The event is a free community program. The Nims courts are outdoors, so bring water, sunscreen, a racquet, and tennis-appropriate shoes. The format is built for adults and older teens, and parents bringing younger players should reach out to the city ahead of time. Parking is available on site at the Nims complex.

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Free Senior Thursday Talks Highlight Wichita Aviation History

Free Senior Thursday Talks Highlight Wichita Aviation History

Wichita aviation history, free every second Thursday morning

  • Aviation
  • History
  • Free
  • Lecture
  • Wichita
  • Seniors
  • Monthly

Senior Thursday is the Kansas Aviation Museum's free monthly lecture series, returning with a pair of local-history talks that put Wichita's aviation past on center stage. Each session begins at 10 AM on the second Thursday of the month and lasts roughly an hour to ninety minutes, according to the museum's events page. The museum itself stays closed to walk-in tours on lecture days; the doors open only for the speaker and the audience.

The series is co-hosted by Skyward Credit Union and pairs a guest speaker with an audience interested in Wichita and aviation history. Topics have ranged from military service to historic preservation, and the speakers tend to be locals with first-hand ties to the subject. The format is informal, with time for questions, and the museum has used the platform to surface research projects, family histories, and city planning work that rarely gets a public stage.

On November 12, 2026, the museum welcomes Greg Zuercher of the Bleckley Foundation. Zuercher is a native Wichitan and 22-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force and Army, with service as an F-16 avionics technician, infantry platoon sergeant, and public affairs officer, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He organized Bleckley Day in 2018 to mark the centennial of Wichita native and Medal of Honor recipient Erwin Bleckley's heroic final flight. Zuercher received the 2020 PBS Kansas Robert J. Dole Distinguished Service Award and has also served as commander of VFW Post 112 and on Congressman Ron Estes' Service Academy Selection Board. A later session in the series features Christina Rieth, a Senior Historic Preservation Planner for the City of Wichita, who holds a Bachelor's in Architecture from Wellesley College and a Master's in Historic Preservation from the University of Kentucky. A Minnesota native, Rieth serves on the Board of Directors for the Museum of World Treasures and is a regular at the Wichita symphony.

Admission is free and open to the public. The museum sits at the corner of South George Washington Boulevard and 31st Street South, adjacent to McConnell Air Force Base. Doors open at 10 AM for the talk, and there is no tour access that day, so plan to arrive a few minutes early. The series runs on the second Thursday of each month; check the museum's events calendar for the date following November 12.

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Late Night gives Wichita high schoolers free Saturday nights at the YMCA

Free Saturday nights out for Wichita high schoolers.

When
Sat, Dec 26 · 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Where
Northwest YMCA
Tickets
Free / no ticket
  • Ymca
  • Teens
  • Free
  • Saturday
  • Northwest
  • Basketball
  • Swimming
  • Wichita

The Greater Wichita YMCA runs Late Night, a free Saturday night program for high school students at its Northwest branch, 8 to 11 PM. No YMCA membership required; just a valid high school ID and a signed consent form. According to the YMCA's program page, Late Night is a Community Development initiative funded by donations to the Y's Strong Community Campaign, designed to give teens a safe place to gather after regular branch hours close.

Late Night opens up the Northwest YMCA's fitness floor, basketball courts, and gymnastics center to participating teens, giving them space to move and hang out after the building closes to regular members. Once a month, the indoor pool opens for a swim, with students bringing their own suits and towels. Every Late Night includes a free dinner so participants can sit and eat together before scattering to activities. The program intentionally brings together teens from different backgrounds, giving them a place to socialize, be physically active, and interact with non-parent adult role models, according to the YMCA.

The published schedule runs through December 2026, with themed Saturdays rotating through open swim and triathlon events (climb, cycle, swim), 3v3 basketball tournaments, brick builds, trivia nights, ice cream bars, a costume party, and a Thanksgiving Feast. Sign-ups happen online or via a printable PDF waiver that must be submitted before a teen's first Late Night. The YMCA enforces a clear-bag policy and asks teens to leave valuables at home; only clear bags will be admitted, and all bags are subject to inspection at entry. Drugs, paraphernalia, and weapons are prohibited and will be confiscated.

Late Night runs Saturdays from 8 PM to 11 PM at the Northwest YMCA branch. The program is free, but a high school ID and signed consent form are required for every participant, with no exceptions. Athletic clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended for physical activities; modest swimwear is required for pool nights. Teens arrange their own transportation to and from the event, and pickup must happen within 15 minutes of closing or risk suspension from the program. Members can scan in with their access number or the Y app; non-members show their ID and confirm a waiver is on file.

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Wicked Island returns to OJ Watson Park for another Halloween season

Wicked Island returns to OJ Watson Park for another Halloween season

Wichita's only island-based haunted attraction returns to OJ Watson Park on Friday and Saturday nights from Sept. 26 through Oct. 31, with the haunt starting at 8 p.m.

  • Halloween
  • Haunted Attraction
  • Wicked Island
  • Oj Watson Park
  • Wichita Parks And Recreation
  • Outdoor Event

Wicked Island is heading back to OJ Watson Park this Halloween season, and Wichita Parks & Recreation is again teaming up with Plant Kingdom Greenhouse Outlets to put it on. The haunted attraction turns an island inside the south Wichita park into a scream-filled walk on Friday and Saturday nights from Sept. 26 through Oct. 31. According to the city of Wichita, the haunting begins at 8 p.m., with ticket sales opening at 7:30 p.m. and park gates closing at 11:30 p.m. The event has become a regular stop on the local Halloween calendar for fans who want a true haunt without driving out of town.

The setup is simple and, by design, unsettling: visitors cross a bridge onto the island and step into what the city calls Wichita's only haunted attraction set on an island. From there, the path cuts through darkness, sudden scares, and live costumed actors working the route. For Wichitans, the appeal is part novelty, part tradition. It is a homegrown haunt a short drive from anywhere in the metro, staged inside a park many locals already know from summer visits. Returning 'survivors' come back year to year to compare scares, while first-timers get the singular novelty of an island horror experience without ever leaving the city limits.

On a packed October weekend, Wicked Island competes for attention with high school football games, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and the broader Kansas Halloween calendar, but the early evening start and weekend-only schedule keep it workable for families with older kids and teens who can stay up late. It also fits naturally into a Friday or Saturday night out with friends, since the ticket window and the haunt itself run inside a single evening block. Parents should know the event happens after dark along an island path, so it is built for teens and adults who actually want to be frightened, not for very young kids looking for a gentler pumpkin-patch vibe.

Wicked Island runs on Fridays and Saturdays from Sept. 26 through Oct. 31. Ticket sales open at 7:30 p.m., the haunting begins at 8 p.m., and park gates close at 11:30 p.m. The attraction is staged at OJ Watson Park in south Wichita. Tickets can be purchased in advance at wickedwoodswichita.com, and the city encourages visitors to buy ahead and bring a group so nobody gets left at the bridge alone. Specific ticket prices, age guidance, and parking notes were not listed on the city's posting, so check the ticket site for current rates and any entry recommendations before you go.

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Ringling Bros. brings The Greatest Show On Earth to Wichita this September

The big top returns to downtown Wichita for one Sunday.

  • Ringling Bros
  • Circus
  • Family Show
  • Downtown Wichita
  • Arena
  • Greatest Show On Earth

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey will bring The Greatest Show On Earth to Wichita on Sunday, September 27, 2026, with a 2:30 PM performance at INTRUST Bank Arena, 500 E. Waterman in downtown Wichita. According to the event listing on StayHappening, the show bills itself as a curated experience combining the best of innovation, entertainment, and community spirit, promising to redefine expectations as a circus. The single Wichita date sits inside the tour's broader fall 2026 run and lands at one of the city's largest indoor venues, giving locals a chance to catch a full-scale touring circus without leaving town.

The Greatest Show On Earth is the headline touring production tied to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey name, a circus brand that has shaped American touring entertainment for well over a century. The StayHappening listing describes the show in theatrical language, asking audiences to witness the transformation of space and time into something truly magical. That phrasing points to large-scale arena staging of the kind that fills an INTRUST Bank Arena floor, with choreographed stunts, costume work, and full production numbers rather than a stripped-down stage act. A Sunday afternoon slot keeps the show accessible to families with school-age kids and to visitors planning around a normal work week.

For Wichita families, the show lands at a familiar venue with quick highway access and plenty of nearby parking. INTRUST Bank Arena sits just across the Arkansas River from downtown, within a block of multiple parking decks and an easy exit off I-135. The Sunday afternoon slot pairs naturally with lunch on Delano or a riverside walk along the Kennedy Plaza boardwalk before doors open. Visitors driving in from outside the metro can easily turn the show into a one-night stay at one of the hotels right next to the arena.

Doors at INTRUST Bank Arena typically open about one hour before showtime, putting entry at roughly 1:30 PM for the 2:30 PM performance. Ticket pricing was not listed on the source page, so check the INTRUST Bank Arena box office or the tour's official ticket vendor for current seat prices, seating charts, and any family-pack or group pricing. The arena is fully accessible, with concessions available inside the bowl and standard clear-bag policies in effect at security. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early to clear screening, pick up will-call tickets, and find seats before the curtain rises.

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Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus returns to Wichita for five-day run

Five days of circus thrills land at INTRUST Bank Arena this September.

  • Circus
  • Ringling
  • Intrust Bank Arena
  • Family Events
  • Downtown Wichita
  • Live Show

The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus will play a five-day run at INTRUST Bank Arena, 500 East Waterman Street in Wichita, from Wednesday, September 23 through Sunday, September 27, 2026. According to the event listing, the opening show starts at 6:00 pm on September 23, with the run closing at 4:30 pm on September 27. The downtown arena will host multiple performances across the week, giving Wichita families and circus fans several chances to catch the reimagined Big Top.

The Ringling Bros. revival relaunched in 2023 after years off the road and has been touring with a reimagined format that drops traditional animal acts in favor of high-flying acrobatics, daredevil stunts, and comedic performances. The current production leans heavily on athletic spectacle, with trapeze artists, tightrope walkers, and globe-of-death motorcycle riders replacing the lion tamers and elephants of the past. For longtime circus fans in Wichita who remember the old touring tent shows, the new version offers a modern twist without losing the family-friendly feel that made the brand famous across generations.

INTRUST Bank Arena sits in the heart of downtown Wichita, within walking distance of the Arkansas River path and several nearby restaurants for dinner before or after the show. Parking is available in the arena's adjacent garages and surrounding surface lots, though circus nights tend to pull bigger crowds than a typical weekday event and families should plan extra time to get in and out. The arena is a familiar home for Wichita's biggest touring acts, from Disney on Ice to WWE shows, and the layout makes it easy to navigate for first-time circusgoers.

Showtimes and ticket prices were not fully listed on the source page; check the INTRUST Bank Arena box office or the venue's official site for the full performance schedule and seat pricing. Doors typically open an hour before showtime at INTRUST Bank Arena, which gives families time to grab snacks and find seats without rushing. The circus is built for all ages, though parents should know that loud music and strobe lights are part of the spectacle, and very young kids may want noise-canceling headphones. The September 27 finale closes at 4:30 pm, making it the shortest day of the run and a good choice for families planning around younger kids' naps and early bedtimes.

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Tuck Everlasting Musical Lands at Friends University This September

Tuck Everlasting Musical Lands at Friends University This September

  • Friends University
  • Theater
  • Musical
  • Tuck Everlasting
  • Wichita
  • Fall 2026

Friends University Fine Arts will stage Tuck Everlasting, the musical adaptation of Natalie Babbitt's beloved novel, for three performances September 18 through 20 at Sebits Auditorium on the Friends University campus. Evening shows begin at 7:30 PM on Friday September 18 and Saturday September 19, with a 2:00 PM Sunday matinee on September 20. According to the Friends University Fine Arts calendar, tickets are available through the school's online ticket page and at the Riney Fine Arts Center office.

Tuck Everlasting tells the story of Winnie Foster, a young girl who stumbles onto the Tuck family and their accidental discovery of immortality. The musical premiered on Broadway in 2016 with a book by Claudia Shear and Tim Federle, music by Chris Miller, and lyrics by Nathan Tysen. The Friends University production is the centerpiece of the school's 2026-2027 Fine Arts season, which the university describes in its program guide alongside a fall opera, jazz concerts, wind ensemble performances, and the 250th Piano Festival in October.

Sebits Auditorium sits inside the Riney Fine Arts Center on the Friends University campus. The venue has hosted Friends University theater, choir, and orchestral performances for decades and remains one of the more accessible mid-size performance halls in the city. Local theatergoers will recognize it as a longtime home for university productions and an occasional stop for traveling ensembles. The Friday and Saturday evening shows are likely to draw the strongest crowds, while the Sunday matinee offers a more relaxed afternoon option for families with younger kids looking to introduce them to live theater.

Tickets can be purchased through the Friends University Fine Arts ticket page or by calling the Fine Arts office at 316-295-5677. The Riney Fine Arts Center A1 office also handles walk-up ticket questions and is open weekdays during regular university hours. Performances are held indoors with climate control. Parking is available on the Friends University campus near the Riney Fine Arts Center, with additional street parking along University Ave and the surrounding neighborhood.

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Derby Recreation Commission Hosts Free Wellness Expo on September 23

Derby Recreation Commission Hosts Free Wellness Expo on September 23

A free afternoon of wellness demos, vendors, and door prizes in Derby

  • Derby
  • Wellness
  • Expo
  • Free
  • Fitness
  • Health
  • Vendors
  • Recreation
  • Family Friendly

The Derby Recreation Commission will host a free Wellness Expo on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, beginning at 4:00 PM at 309 N. Woodlawn Blvd. in Derby. According to the City of Derby calendar, the afternoon brings together local wellness vendors, guest speakers, and live cooking and fitness demonstrations in one drop-in setting, giving residents a chance to focus on personal health without paying anything at the door.

Attendees can browse booths staffed by area wellness providers, watch on-site cooking and fitness demonstrations, and hear from a slate of guest speakers throughout the event. The DRC's calendar description frames the expo as a way for residents to set and achieve wellness goals while learning how to prevent chronic diseases, positioning it as practical information rather than promotional outreach.

Door prizes will be handed out during the expo, giving early arrivals and latecomers alike a small reason to stick it out. A 4:00 PM start time fits neatly into the after-work and after-school window, making it accessible for working parents, retirees with open afternoons, and anyone curious about local wellness options. The expo leans into community-building rather than a hard sell.

Admission is free and no preregistration is listed on the City of Derby calendar. The expo takes place at 309 N. Woodlawn Blvd., Derby, KS 67037, the DRC's main facility. Topics on the slate span nutrition, fitness, and chronic disease prevention, drawing a broad cross-section of Derby residents.

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Greater Andover Days returns Saturday, October 3

Greater Andover Days returns Saturday, October 3

Andover's marquee hometown Saturday returns October 3.

  • Andover
  • Community
  • Festival
  • Fall
  • Family
  • Wichita Metro

Greater Andover Days returns Saturday, October 3, 2026, with festivities kicking off at 10 a.m., according to the City of Andover's official calendar page. The annual community celebration is one of the marquee hometown events on the Andover calendar each fall, and the city has posted the listing in advance to give residents a heads-up. October's mild weather typically makes it a comfortable day to be outside across the Wichita metro.

Greater Andover Days has long drawn families from across the Wichita metro to Andover for a day of small-town fun. The City of Andover calendar entry points residents and visitors to www.andoverks.gov/GAD for the full schedule, vendor line-up, and any updates leading up to the day. Because Andover sits just east of Wichita along the Kellogg corridor, the celebration is a short drive for families across Butler and Sedgwick counties looking to spend a Saturday close to home without heading to a bigger city event. The hometown scale is part of the appeal for many attendees.

The city calendar lists a 10 a.m. start time on October 3 but does not include an end-of-day schedule, so attendees should check the GAD website for activity times, road closures, and parking information. The calendar entry does not pin the event to a single address, suggesting the celebration spans multiple sites around town, which is typical of citywide hometown festivals of this kind in suburban Kansas.

Greater Andover Days begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Full programming details, vendor lists, and parking guidance are posted at www.andoverks.gov/GAD. Anyone planning to attend should monitor that page in the weeks and days ahead for weather updates, schedule changes, and any road closure notices as the date approaches. Bringing a lawn chair, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle is a safe bet for any fall community day in Kansas.

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Park City Hosts Free 81 Speedway Driver Meet and Greet

Park City Hosts Free 81 Speedway Driver Meet and Greet

Real race cars from 81 Speedway roll into Park City City Hall parking lot on Saturday, October 10. Free meet and greet with drivers, 10 AM to noon.

When
Sat, Oct 10 · 5:00 AM – 7:00 AM
Where
Park City City Hall parking lot
Tickets
Free / no ticket
  • 81 Speedway
  • Park City
  • Meet And Greet
  • Race Cars
  • Free Event
  • Family Friendly

Real race cars from 81 Speedway will roll into the Park City City Hall parking lot on Saturday, October 10, and the City of Park City is inviting the public to come meet the drivers behind the wheel. The free event runs from 10 AM to 12 PM, according to the city's CivicAlerts page. Visitors will get an up-close look at the cars, meet the drivers who pilot them, and enjoy a family-friendly morning of horsepower and fun right outside City Hall. The city encourages families to bring the kids and stop by.

The city describes the morning as a chance for families to check out the race cars, meet the drivers, and enjoy a few hours of horsepower and fun. For kids who love engines and adults who follow the local racing scene, this is a chance to see the cars up close and talk to drivers outside the speedway environment. The cars and crews will be staged in the City Hall lot, where visitors can walk around, take photos, and ask questions between 10 AM and noon.

The two-hour window makes the event an easy Saturday morning add-on rather than a full-day commitment, and the parking lot venue keeps logistics simple for parents with restless kids. There is no admission fee and no ticket required, so families can stop in for a few minutes or stay for the whole morning without committing to a schedule. The event is posted through the City of Park City's CivicAlerts system, which is the city's main channel for community announcements and city updates. Anyone planning to attend should dress for the weather, since the event takes place outdoors in the parking lot.

Practical details for the October 10 meet and greet: the event is free and open to all ages, with parking available on-site at City Hall. No registration is required per the city posting, so walk-ups are welcome. The City of Park City posted the announcement through CivicAlerts on its official city website. For information about which specific 81 Speedway drivers and cars will be on display, residents can contact Park City City Hall directly or check the city's website closer to October 10 for any updates.

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Lucy Darling brings You're Welcome variety show to Wichita Orpheum

Lucy Darling brings You're Welcome variety show to Wichita Orpheum

Cocktail-soaked magic, mischief, and Mark Ettinger on every instrument

  • Magic
  • Variety Show
  • Theater
  • Lucy Darling
  • Carisa Hendrix
  • Mark Ettinger
  • Flying Karamazov Brothers
  • Orpheum
  • Live Performance

Award-winning magician and performer Carisa Hendrix brings her alter ego Lucy Darling to the Wichita Orpheum Theatre for "You're Welcome," a touring variety show the venue describes as a "reunion of people who have not yet met." The two-person show blends cocktail-soaked socialite charm, razor-sharp wit, skillful magic, and free advice from a character who has built a growing legion of devoted fans through a year of sold-out appearances. "This is her answer to their call," the listing reads, framing the run as more than a tour stop; it is, the listing says, "a party for every member of the Darling family tree."

According to the Orpheum event page, Lucy Darling has earned her reputation through performances that blur the line between magician, emcee, and life coach. She is joined on stage by Mark Ettinger, a musician and composer who has spent years as a globe-trotting juggler with the legendary Flying Karamazov Brothers. Ettinger handles piano, melodica, and what the listing calls "a cornucopia of other instruments," trading playful banter with Hendrix throughout the evening. The pairing's chemistry, the listing says, is the centerpiece of the show.

The Wichita engagement includes two optional add-ons designed to extend the evening beyond the main set. A pre-show talkback two hours before curtain puts ticketholders in a candid conversation with Hendrix, with never-before-told stories, audience questions, and a behind-the-scenes look at the artistry behind the performance. A post-show meet and greet follows the final bow, giving guests a professional photo with Lucy Darling, a limited-edition lanyard, and an exclusive piece of merchandise to remember the night.

Venue is the Wichita Orpheum Theatre. Show date, main curtain time, and ticket pricing were not visible on this event page at the time of extraction; check the Orpheum box office or main events calendar for the current performance schedule and to buy seats. As with most Orpheum events, by purchasing tickets or attending the show guests consent to being photographed, filmed, and recorded, and the venue reserves the right to use that likeness in any and all media worldwide in perpetuity, per the venue's standard policy.

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Wichita Thunder Hockey at INTRUST Bank Arena, Oct 18

Wichita Thunder Hockey at INTRUST Bank Arena, Oct 18

Sunday afternoon hockey in downtown Wichita

  • Wichita Thunder
  • Hockey
  • Intrust Bank Arena
  • Downtown Wichita
  • Sunday
  • Family

According to INTRUST Bank Arena's event page, a Wichita Thunder hockey game is on the schedule for Sunday, October 18, with puck drop at 3:05 pm and arena doors opening at 2:00 pm. The event URL (intrustbankarena.com/thunder101826) identifies the matchup as a Thunder home game, and the listing notes that all times are subject to change.

The Wichita Thunder play out of INTRUST Bank Arena in downtown Wichita, drawing a family-friendly crowd that fills the building for Sunday afternoon matchups. A 3:05 pm start lets families take in a full hockey game and still wrap up the day at a reasonable hour, a slot that has become a regular feature on the Thunder's home calendar.

Parking is easier if you book ahead. The arena's event page points fans to ParkMobile, which lets drivers reserve a spot in advance at INTRUST-owned Lots #1 through #4 or at independently operated lots nearby. Pre-paying means a guaranteed space on game day and one less thing to juggle when you arrive with kids, strollers, or a full car.

Entry moves faster under INTRUST Bank Arena's clear bag policy. Permitted bags include clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags no larger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches, along with small clutch purses. Prohibited bags include backpacks, printed-pattern plastic bags, mesh bags, and large totes. Cameras are limited to small point-and-shoot models; 35mm cameras, detachable-lens cameras, and any audio or video recording devices are not allowed inside.

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Little Aviators

Little Aviators

Free Friday mornings for Wichita's littlest pilots

  • Aviation
  • Kids
  • Free
  • Recurring
  • Stem
  • Museum
  • Preschool
  • Elementary
  • Friday

Little Aviators takes over the Kansas Aviation Museum every Friday from 10:00 AM to noon, running as a free weekly drop-in program for children ages 12 and under. Teens and adults pay $5 each to participate alongside the kids. The two-hour morning is built around themed activities that put young children face-to-face with the museum's aircraft collection, layering crafts, read-aloud stories, and hands-on stations throughout each session. No signup is required, and families can pop in once for a single visit or fold the program into a regular Friday morning habit.

Each weekly session centers on a different flight-themed topic, according to the museum's Little Aviators listing. Crafts, read-aloud stories, and short interactive challenges are woven into the morning, with parents and caregivers encouraged to stay for the full two hours. The programming targets preschool and elementary-aged children and introduces early STEM concepts through play. Aircraft discoveries are built into each session so kids can connect the day's activities to actual planes on display in the museum. The tone stays hands-on and welcoming rather than lecture-style, which keeps the room open to shy kids and short attention spans.

For Wichita families, Little Aviators is one of the few free recurring weekly programs tied directly to the city's aviation heritage. The two-hour format leaves room for a relaxed pace, and the weekly repeat lets families build it into a routine without committing to a semester-long class. It is also flexible enough for out-of-town grandparents, cousins, or visiting friends to drop in once without a signup, which makes it an easy addition to a visitor's Friday itinerary. Repeat visits let kids track what changes from week to week, since each Friday brings a new flight theme to the floor.

Practical info: Little Aviators runs Fridays, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, at the Kansas Aviation Museum in Wichita. Admission is free for ages 12 and under, with a $5 charge for teens and adults. The program is recommended for preschool and elementary ages, and parents and caregivers are welcome to stay for the full session, no separate ticket required. Schedule updates are posted on the museum's Little Aviators page if a particular Friday is canceled or moved for a holiday. The program is drop-in, with no preregistration needed.

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Wichita Farmers Markets 2026: Dates, Hours, and Locations

Wichita Farmers Markets 2026: Dates, Hours, and Locations

Six markets, eight months of Saturdays, one Wichita summer staple

When
Mon, Apr 20 · 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where
Various Wichita-area locations (Old Town, Kansas Grown West, Kansas Grown Derby, Haysville, Kechi)
Tickets
Free / no ticket
  • Farmers Market
  • Wichita
  • Old Town
  • Kansas Grown
  • Derby
  • Haysville
  • Kechi
  • Local Food
  • Outdoor
  • Weekend

The 2026 farmers market season in Wichita opens Saturday, April 4 at the Old Town Farmers Market, located at 835 E. First Street, and runs through December 19. According to WichitaMom's annual roundup, the city and surrounding suburbs host at least six distinct markets between April and early January 2027, giving locals a near-year-round option for sourcing fresh produce and supporting regional growers. Most Saturday markets kick off at 7am or 8am, and several run through the end of October before shifting to a holiday schedule.

Wichita-area markets have grown well past the produce-stand era. The Old Town lineup adds tastings, community yoga, cooking demonstrations, presentations, and live entertainment to its regular Saturdays, while Kansas Grown markets at 21st & Ridge and at 512 E. Madison Avenue in Derby combine fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, farm-fresh eggs, hand-harvested honey, baked goods, flowers, art, and live cooking demos. A Holiday Market shifts Old Town to 10am-1pm on Saturdays through November and December, and a 'Somewhere in Winter' run stretches from November 26 through January 3 at 250 N. St. Francis.

Hours vary by location, so plan accordingly. Kansas Grown West opens earliest at 7am, with most others running 8am to noon. Suburban options include the Haysville Historic District market at 100 S. Main St. on Saturdays from June 6 through August 29, 8am to noon, and the Kechi Farmers Market, hosted by the Kechi Chamber of Commerce at Kechi United Methodist Church (4533 E 61st Street N), on Thursdays from June through September, 4 to 6:30pm. Vendor card acceptance varies, so small bills and a reusable bag remain the safest setup, per WichitaMom.

WichitaMom recommends arriving early for the best selection, since popular items often sell out fast, and walking the full perimeter before buying to compare vendors side by side. Not every market allows pets, so check ahead before bringing dogs along. Both the Old Town market and the Kansas Grown venues are family-friendly and free to enter; you only pay for what you put in your bag. Vendor lists and weekly entertainment typically post on each market's newsletter or Facebook page the day before, so signing up in advance pays off.

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Lady A brings country hits to Wichita's Orpheum Theatre

Country hits, historic stage, one Sunday night

When
Sun, Sep 27 · 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Where
Orpheum Theatre - Wichita
Tickets
Free / no ticket
  • Concert
  • Country
  • Lady A
  • Orpheum Theatre
  • Live Music
  • Downtown Wichita

Country music trio Lady A is bringing their hits to Wichita's Orpheum Theatre on Sunday, September 27, 2026. According to the listing on StayHappening, the show runs from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM at the historic downtown venue, 200 N Broadway. Lady A, the trio formerly known as Lady Antebellum, features vocalists Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, and Dave Haywood. Wichita gets the Sunday night stop on the band's ongoing tour.

The trio dropped the Antebellum from their name in June 2020, the same week they released the album Ocean. They are best known for chart-topping singles like Need You Now, Just a Kiss, Bartender, and Compass, plus newer tracks like What If I Never Get Over You and Like a Lady. Across their catalog, the band has stacked a run of country-pop crossover hits that have lived on radio playlists for the past decade and a half. Expect a setlist that leans hard on the hits, with a few deeper cuts sprinkled in for longtime fans. Their three-part vocal harmonies remain the centerpiece of the live show.

The Orpheum Theatre is one of downtown Wichita's most beloved concert venues. Built in 1922 and restored to its original Spanish Baroque detail, the room pairs ornate architecture with modern sound and lighting systems. Catching a country headliner in a historic theater is a distinctly Wichita experience; locals tend to treat the Orpheum as a date-night or friends-night-out destination. The Broadway and Douglas corridor around the theatre has plenty of pre-show dinner spots within walking distance, from steakhouses to casual bistros. If you're coming from outside downtown, arrive early enough to find parking and settle into your seat before the lights go down.

Doors typically open an hour before showtime at the Orpheum, and seating is general admission or reserved depending on the show configuration. The StayHappening listing includes a Tickets link for current pricing and seat availability; check there before heading to the box office. Parking is available in nearby garages and on-street meters around the Broadway and Douglas intersection. Most Lady A tour dates run all ages, but confirm with the venue before bringing kids. The show is scheduled to wrap by 9:30 PM, per the source listing.

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Ringling Bros circus brings four-day run to Intrust Bank Arena

Four days, downtown Wichita, one big top.

  • Ringling Bros
  • Circus
  • Intrust Bank Arena
  • Downtown Wichita
  • Family
  • Live Entertainment

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is scheduled for a four-day run at Intrust Bank Arena in downtown Wichita, with dates running Thursday, September 24 through Sunday, September 27, 2026, according to an event listing on StayHappening. The B&B tour is one of the marquee family entertainment events listed for the arena this fall, and the Wichita stop is set to open with a 7:00 pm performance on Thursday, September 24. The engagement is part of a broader tour schedule that brings the B&B production to arenas across the Midwest through fall 2026.

Intrust Bank Arena, located at 500 E Waterman Street, is the largest indoor venue in Wichita and a regular host for touring family shows, concerts, sporting events, and arena tours. The arena sits in the heart of downtown, within walking distance of the Old Town entertainment district and along the Arkansas River corridor, making it a natural anchor for a family night out. The StayHappening listing identifies the engagement as 'Ringling Bros B&B Circus at Intrust Bank Arena' without additional production details, and directs users to the venue for further information on performers and acts.

According to the listing, the run opens at 7:00 pm on Thursday, September 24, with additional performances continuing through the weekend. The closing performance on Sunday, September 27 is listed with an end time of 4:30 pm, suggesting a matinee-style finale to the engagement. Specific show times for Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26 were not included on the source page, so families planning around work and school schedules should check the arena's official website closer to the event for the full daily lineup.

Tickets for touring arena events are typically sold through the Intrust Bank Arena box office and online; the StayHappening listing does not include a direct ticket purchase link, so prospective attendees should go directly to the arena's website for current pricing and seat availability. The arena offers multiple on-site parking garages in the surrounding blocks and is also accessible via Wichita Transit bus routes that run through downtown. The venue is fully accessible, with ADA seating available in every price tier.

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26th Annual Great Plains Renaissance Festival Returns to Wichita

Knights, Vikings, and bagpipes return to Wichita's west side.

  • Wichita
  • Renaissance
  • Scottish
  • Festival
  • Fall
  • Family
  • Celtic
  • Highland Games
  • Jousting

Wichita's renaissance celebration returns to the festival grounds at 6501 W 21st St N on Saturday, September 26, and Sunday, September 27, 2026. The 26th Annual Fall Great Plains Renaissance and Scottish Festival brings two days of medieval pageantry, Celtic music, and jousting knights to the city's west side. According to the festival's listing, attendees can expect jests and jousts, aerial acrobatics, falconry, fire-breathing daredevils, bagpipes, belly dancers, singing pirates, Vikings, and vagabonds across the weekend.

This is Wichita's long-standing renaissance tradition with a Scottish twist layered on top. The festival pairs Italian Renaissance staging with Celtic heritage programming, including the Wichita Highland Games and live Celtic music throughout the weekend. A Kansas Authors Pavilion, billed as "Renaissance in Reading," anchors the literary side of the event, while marvelous merchants and fantastic artists fill the marketplace lanes. Kings, queens, fairies, and fairy tales round out the cast.

The festival is built around family-friendly pricing. Advance adult tickets cost $14, a $4 discount off the regular gate price, and a $26 weekend adult pass comes with a free kid's pass, a $6 value on its own. Advance tickets are delivered digitally for expedited entry, letting families skip the ticket line and walk straight to the gate. With kids admitted free alongside each adult weekend purchase, organizers are leaning hard on the "keeping the Renaissance in Wichita" tagline.

Gates are open Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. The event is all ages. Parking is available on-site; check the festival website closer to the date for the latest logistics. Tickets are sold through the festival's online portal, and advance purchase is the easiest path for entry. Costumes are encouraged but not required, and vendors accept both cash and card on most booths.

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Park City Wide Garage Sale Returns September 26

Park City Wide Garage Sale Returns September 26

One Saturday, dozens of driveways, all of Park City on sale.

  • Park City
  • Garage Sale
  • Community
  • September
  • Bargains
  • Outdoor
  • Weekend

Park City will host its City Wide Garage Sale on Saturday, September 26, 2026, with permits now available at the City Administration Center ahead of the event. According to the city's calendar, the official sale day runs citywide, with residents opening driveways across town starting at 8 AM. Shoppers looking to extend the hunt can add up to two extra days at a dollar each, turning one Saturday into a full weekend of bargain hunting across the community.

The City Wide Garage Sale has become a fall tradition for Park City residents, turning front lawns and driveways into a community-wide marketplace. For sellers, the permit system keeps things simple: one low-cost fee covers a household's spot on the citywide map for the main day, and the city handles the rest of the promotion. For buyers, it concentrates dozens of sales into a single Saturday, making it easy to hit multiple stops in one morning without driving all over the Wichita metro area looking for individual sales.

Permits cost $5 for the first day and can be picked up in person at the City Administration Center ahead of the sale. Sellers who want to extend through Sunday or Monday can add up to two additional days for $1 each, keeping total permit costs under $10 for the full three-day option. Once registered, sellers set their own hours and pricing, so shoppers should plan to start early for the best selection and bring cash for the quickest transactions with neighbors.

The sale kicks off at 8 AM on September 26 and runs throughout the day at participating homes across Park City. There is no formal entry fee for shoppers, just bring cash and a reusable bag or wagon. Age-wise, the event is family-friendly, and leashed pets are welcome to join the route. Parking is generally available along neighborhood streets near each sale, and shoppers can pick up a city map at the City Administration Center to help plan their route through the participating streets.

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Wichita State to Host NCAA March Madness First Four at INTRUST Bank Arena

Wichita State to Host NCAA March Madness First Four at INTRUST Bank Arena

The road to the Final Four starts in Wichita.

  • Ncaa
  • March Madness
  • First Four
  • Wichita State
  • Shockers
  • College Basketball
  • Basketball
  • Tournament
  • Sports

Wichita State University will host the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship Opening Round, known as the First Four, on March 16-17, 2027, at INTRUST Bank Arena in downtown Wichita. The Shocker-hosted designation makes Wichita the first stop on the road to the Final Four, with four games over two days determining which teams advance into the tournament's round of 64. The matchups will be announced on Selection Sunday in March 2027, roughly a week before tipoff, giving fans only days to lock in travel and lodging.

The First Four, played annually since 2011, condenses the bottom of the 68-team NCAA Tournament field into a series of play-in games. Eight teams square off across two days, with four winners punching their tickets to the round of 64. According to the INTRUST Bank Arena event page, the format follows the same structure fans have come to expect: two games on day one, two games on day two, and the joy (or heartbreak) of bubble teams watching the bracket take shape in real time. Wichita State's role as host adds a home-state energy to the proceedings, and the Shockers could potentially play in the event they earn a First Four berth.

Tickets will be available first to NCAA subscribers in October, per the arena listing. Fans who want first access can sign up through the link on the INTRUST Bank Arena NCAA page to be notified when presale opens. General ticket sales typically follow the subscriber window, with pricing tied to seat location and which session fans want to attend. The arena's NCAA page is the official source for the latest ticketing details as they are released. Past First Four sessions have offered both all-session and single-session passes, though specific 2027 pricing has not yet been announced.

Doors and tipoff times will be announced closer to the event, per the arena's standard tournament scheduling. INTRUST Bank Arena typically opens its doors 90 minutes before tipoff for NCAA-sanctioned events. Parking is available in the arena's adjacent downtown lots, with rates and pre-purchase options posted on the arena website as game day approaches. All ages are welcome, though fans should note that NCAA events at this venue require a ticket for entry, including for lap infants and small children. The arena's bag policy and clear-bag rules apply for all tournament sessions.

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Sweeney Todd School Edition takes the Mary Jane Teall stage

Sweeney Todd School Edition takes the Mary Jane Teall stage

Sondheim's revenge thriller, performed by Wichita's rising teen talent

  • Sweeney Todd
  • Theater
  • Century Ii
  • Mtwichita
  • Academy
  • Musical Theater
  • Family
  • Fall Events
  • Downtown Wichita

The Academy at MTWichita brings Sweeney Todd School Edition to the Mary Jane Teall Theatre inside Century II, with three performances scheduled for Friday, October 9 at 7:00 PM, Saturday, October 10 at 2:00 PM, and Sunday, October 11 at 2:00 PM. Tickets are available through the Century II event page, where each performance date links to a separate Buy Tickets button. The production runs roughly 120 minutes and carries a PG rating, according to the venue's event detail page.

This is the School Edition of the Tony Award-winning musical, a version specifically adapted for high school performers and audiences. The source page notes the adaptation keeps the dark wit of Stephen Sondheim's original while modifying content to suit teen performers. The Academy at MTWichita, the youth training arm of Music Theatre Wichita, supplies the cast, giving local high school actors a substantial showcase in a full-length musical with serious dramatic and vocal demands.

The story follows Sweeney Todd, an exiled barber who returns to 19th-century London to exact revenge on the judge who framed him and ruined his life. He partners with Mrs. Lovett, who runs a struggling pie shop, and her business gets a gruesome new secret ingredient as Todd's vendetta plays out. The Century II listing describes the show as a tale of love, murder, and revenge, mixing Victorian melodrama with dark comedy and Sondheim's score.

Practical details: Century II is at 225 W Douglas Ave in downtown Wichita, with parking available in the surrounding convention center lots. The Mary Jane Teall Theatre is one of the smaller performance spaces inside the complex, distinct from the larger Concert Hall. Tickets can be purchased through the venue's online event page. The PG rating signals the production is suitable for families, though the source page still emphasizes the dark wit of the original.

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Holiday Galleria returns to Century II for 21st year

Holiday Galleria returns to Century II for 21st year

Wichita's holiday shopping tradition, now 21 years strong

  • Holiday Shopping
  • Junior League
  • Fundraiser
  • Century Ii
  • Wichita Events
  • Shopping Expo

Holiday Galleria, the Junior League of Wichita's signature fundraising event, returns to Century II's Expo Hall October 1 through 3 for its 21st year. The three-day upscale shopping event brings together local, regional, and national merchants under one roof, giving Wichita shoppers an early start on holiday gift buying. The event has become a reliable marker that the holiday season has officially arrived in the city, and longtime attendees treat it as the unofficial kickoff to their gift lists.

The Junior League of Wichita has run Holiday Galleria for two decades, channeling proceeds into community programs across the city. According to the event listing on Century II's website, the stated objective is to raise funds to fulfill the League's goal of building a better community. For shoppers, that means every purchase at Galleria helps support local initiatives the Junior League runs throughout the year, from literacy programs to food access efforts.

This year's schedule is split across three distinct sessions, each with its own feel. Thursday, October 1 opens with A Very Merry Soiree Preview Party from 6 to 9 p.m., offering early access to merchandise before the general public. Friday, October 2 starts with general admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., then transitions to Sleigh Girls' Night Out from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, October 3 closes out the weekend with another full day of general admission, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The event takes place in the Expo Hall at Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center in downtown Wichita. Tickets for each session are sold separately through the Century II box office, with the event page offering a Buy Tickets link for every session listed. Shoppers can expect a curated mix of boutique clothing, home goods, jewelry, and seasonal items from merchants across the region, with many exhibitors returning year after year alongside first-time vendors. Parking is available in the Century II lot, and arriving early on weekend sessions is the best way to beat the crowds and grab the strongest selection before popular items sell out.

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Justin Willman brings One for the Ages magic tour to Wichita

Justin Willman brings One for the Ages magic tour to Wichita

Smart, silly, astonishing magic for all ages

  • Magic
  • Comedy
  • Family
  • Netflix
  • Tour
  • Justin Willman
  • Orpheum
  • All Ages

Justin Willman brings his new One for the Ages tour to the Wichita Orpheum Theatre, fresh off the release of Magic Lover, billed as Netflix's first-ever magic comedy special. Willman is best known as the star and creator of Netflix's Magic for Humans and Magic Prank Show, where his signature mix of mind-bending illusions and relatable humor turned him into a streaming favorite. The Wichita stop is part of what the tour is calling his biggest outing yet, built around brand-new material and a promise, per the Orpheum's event listing, that the live show is where the real magic happens.

Streaming audiences already know Willman well. His specials and clips have tallied about a billion views, per the event listing, and he has appeared on The Tonight Show, The Today Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and Conan. The Magic Castle recently named him Stage Magician of the Year, and past credits include a performance at the White House plus sold-out theater runs across the country. The promotional copy adds that he has managed to make grown adults openly weep over a card trick, a fitting preview of the kind of emotional range the live show promises for Wichita audiences.

For Wichitans, One for the Ages is a chance to catch a touring headliner at one of the city's most storied theaters. The Orpheum's listing describes the show as smart, silly, and astonishing, suitable for kids, dates, or dads alike, with all ages and all generations in one room. The all-ages framing makes it an accessible night out for families looking for something different from the usual dinner-and-a-movie routine, with Old Town's restaurants within walking distance for a pre-show bite or a post-show drink.

The show is recommended for ages 8 and up. According to the Orpheum's listing, it is family-friendly but includes occasional mature humor, loud or surprising moments, and a few spooky elements that may be intense for younger children. Parents are encouraged to use their own judgment for kids under 8, with younger children welcome at parental discretion. The interactive format also means audience members may end up pulled on stage.

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Nightlife

7 items · Live music, trivia, open mics, and late-night spots across the metro.

FR3EDM Brings Free Final Friday Jam to Downtown Wichita

FR3EDM Brings Free Final Friday Jam to Downtown Wichita

  • Free
  • Music
  • Downtown
  • Edm
  • Final Friday
  • Old Town
  • Douglas Avenue

FR3EDM Music is bringing its free Final Friday jam session to downtown Wichita on Friday, September 25, 2026. The free-flowing music event kicks off at 6:30 PM at 601 E Douglas Avenue, and the series rolls on every last Friday of the month through October, according to the City of Wichita's Parks & Recreation calendar listing.

The Final Friday series has become a monthly anchor for downtown Wichita, pulling crowds to the Douglas Avenue corridor for live music, art, and food. FR3EDM Music's installment adds an electronic music flavor to the rotation, with the event listing promising an epic, free-flowing music jam session that may include surprise performances by up-and-coming artists. The format is loose and welcoming, with the organizer inviting attendees to come for the tunes and stay for the vibes. It's the kind of pop-up that rewards showing up early and sticking around as the night builds.

For Wichita music fans, this is one of the easiest free events to drop into downtown. The 6:30 PM start time leaves room for dinner first or an after-work arrival, and the Final Friday timing stacks with the broader last-Friday-of-the-month happenings that draw people into Old Town. The series gives the local EDM scene a recurring public platform, which matters because dedicated EDM venues in Wichita can be few and far between. Downtown hosts plenty of country, rock, and cover-band nights, but a regular free EDM showcase on a major corridor is rarer. It's a low-commitment way to hear something new without a cover charge, whether you're a regular at local EDM nights, an Old Town stroller, or just EDM-curious and looking for a reason to come downtown.

Admission is free, and no ticket purchase is required. The session runs from 6:30 PM on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 601 E Douglas Avenue in downtown Wichita. The FR3EDM Final Friday series continues on the last Friday of each month through October. Parking is available at downtown garages and street spots along and near Douglas Avenue; the event is outdoors, so plan layers for the weather.

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FR3EDM Music Last Friday Jam Lands in Downtown Wichita

FR3EDM Music Last Friday Jam Lands in Downtown Wichita

Free EDM every Final Friday in Old Town

  • Final Friday
  • Edm
  • Free
  • Old Town
  • Downtown
  • Live Music
  • Douglas Avenue

FR3EDM Music is bringing a free, open-air jam session to downtown Wichita on every Final Friday through October, with the next installment set for Friday, September 25, 2026 at 6:30 PM. The gathering takes place at 601 E Douglas Avenue, in the heart of the city's Old Town district, and slots into Wichita's long-running Final Friday tradition, the monthly celebration that fills the downtown core with art, music, and street life on the last Friday of each month.

Final Friday has long served as Wichita's signature monthly showcase of arts, music, and local culture, drawing crowds to the Douglas Avenue corridor for gallery walks, pop-up markets, food vendors, and impromptu performances. FR3EDM adds an electronic-music dimension to that mix, showcasing what the organizers describe as the hottest up-and-coming artists in the regional scene. According to the city's civic calendar listing, the jam is structured as a free-flowing session where attendees can come for the tunes and stay for the vibes, with surprise live sets and guest performers sprinkled into the night alongside the rotating DJ lineup.

For Wichita EDM fans, finding a free, outdoor, community-driven dance night outside the typical bar-and-club circuit can be a real challenge, especially on a weeknight. FR3EDM's recurring Final Friday slot offers a low-commitment way to discover new local and touring electronic artists without paying a cover or waiting in line. The September 25 event also signals the start of the fall stretch, giving locals three more chances to catch the series before it wraps in late October, weather permitting, and a chance to build a new monthly habit in Old Town.

Admission is free and open to the public, according to the City of Wichita's civic calendar listing. The jam begins at 6:30 PM on Friday, September 25 at 601 E Douglas Avenue, Wichita, KS 67202. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to soak in the wider Final Friday programming in Old Town, including open galleries, food trucks, and street vendors that line the corridor. Parking is available in city garages and surface lots around Douglas Avenue. Because the event is listed on the city's civic calendar and pitched as a community jam, expect a welcoming atmosphere across age groups, though the volume and late-night energy are likely best suited to teens, adults, and families with older kids.

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Somewhere Fest brings Bailey Zimmerman and more to Wichita

Country meets EDM in Old Town

When
Fri, Sep 25 10:30 PM → Fri, Sep 25 12:30 AM
Where
Elsewhere Fest
Tickets
Get tickets
  • Music
  • Festival
  • Concert
  • Country
  • Edm
  • Old Town

Somewhere Fest lands at Elsewhere Fest, 650 East 2nd Street in Wichita, on Friday, September 25, 2026, with a two day pass that covers the full weekend lineup, according to a StayHappening listing. The festival pairs contemporary country with big room electronic, booking Bailey Zimmerman, DJ Diesel (the turntabling alter ego of Shaquille O'Neal), Ian Munsick, and the DJ duo Two Friends across the bill. Friday, September 25 marks the start of the two day run, with Saturday, September 26 implied as the second day for pass holders.

Somewhere Fest leans into genre crossover, putting mainstream country headliners alongside EDM acts on the same bill. Bailey Zimmerman broke through with 'Rock and a Hard Place' and 'Fall in Love,' establishing himself as a steady draw on country radio and streaming charts. Ian Munsick, whose sound leans on western and traditional country influences, has grown a national following through songs like 'Long Haul' and 'Cowboy Killer.' On the electronic side, DJ Diesel brings Shaquille O'Neal's longstanding love of DJing to the stage, while Two Friends have built a reputation as a festival duo known for high energy remix sets.

The two day pass grants entry to both Friday and Saturday sessions, though specific set times and the Saturday schedule were not posted at the time of the StayHappening listing. Ticket purchase and current pricing are routed through the StayHappening event page. Elsewhere Fest sits in the Old Town district along East 2nd Street, an established nightlife and entertainment corridor in downtown Wichita that already hosts a cluster of bars, restaurants, and small venues within walking distance of the festival grounds.

Elsewhere Fest's address is 650 East 2nd Street, Wichita. The event listing notes a start and end time of 3:30 a.m. to 5:30 a.m., which appears to be a data error rather than an accurate schedule, and festival goers should confirm corrected times through Elsewhere Fest or Somewhere Fest's own channels closer to the date. Parking, ride share, and on site logistics will vary by venue configuration and should be checked before travel. Age restrictions, bag policies, and re entry rules were not detailed on the listing page, so attendees should review those in advance.

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Wicked Island Returns to OJ Watson Park for Haunted Fall Run

Wicked Island Returns to OJ Watson Park for Haunted Fall Run

Wichita's only haunted island returns for nine frightful nights

  • Halloween
  • Haunt
  • Wicked Island
  • Oj Watson Park
  • Outdoor
  • Spooky
  • Family

Wicked Island is coming back to OJ Watson Park this Halloween season, returning Wichita's only haunted island experience for another run of late-night scares. Presented by Plant Kingdom Greenhouse Outlets in partnership with Wichita Parks & Recreation, the attraction opens on Fridays and Saturdays from Sept. 26 through Oct. 31. Ticket sales begin at 7:30 p.m., the haunting itself starts at 8 p.m., and the park gates close at 11:30 p.m. each night. The City has framed it as the only haunted attraction in Wichita set on an island, with the bridge crossing built into the experience from the moment visitors arrive.

What sets Wicked Island apart from other regional haunts is the setting itself. Guests cross the bridge into OJ Watson Park and step onto an island where the trails, trees, and waterline become the backdrop for the scares. According to the City of Wichita, the experience is built around darkness, unexpected encounters, and tight scenes designed to keep groups moving together through the attraction. Whether you are a returning survivor or a first-timer crossing the bridge, the format leans into suspense and atmosphere rather than campy theatrics, and the park's natural features do a lot of the heavy lifting.

The run is structured for a steady flow of visitors rather than a single timed entry, with multiple Friday and Saturday nights of operation spread across September and October. Tickets are sold through wickedwoodswichita.com, and the City is encouraging guests to buy in advance rather than at the gate. Wicked Island is one of the few outdoor haunted experiences in the Wichita area, and the island setting gives it a feel that warehouse and indoor haunts can't easily match. The late-September start also gives locals a chance to catch it before the peak Halloween weekend crowds.

A few practical notes before you go. Pricing isn't listed on the City page, so check wickedwoodswichita.com for the current ticket tiers and any group deals before you commit. The attraction is outdoors on an island, so wear closed-toe shoes and dress for the weather; October nights in Wichita can drop into the 40s, and you will be on your feet for the duration. Parking is available at OJ Watson Park. The park gates close at 11:30 p.m., so plan to arrive early in the night if you want to take your time through the experience without feeling rushed to finish before close.

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Juanes at The Cotillion This Fall

Colombian rock and pop star Juanes brings his catalog to The Cotillion in Wichita on Monday, September 28, 2026.

  • Juanes
  • Concert
  • Cotillion
  • Latin Music
  • Live Music

Juanes is booked at The Cotillion in Wichita on Monday, September 28, 2026 at 6:00 pm, according to the event listing on StayHappening. The Colombian singer-songwriter, widely known for blending rock with Latin pop, will perform at the West Kellogg venue at 11120 W Kellogg. The listing shows the schedule running through 10:00 pm the following evening, an unusual span that may reflect the venue's overnight schedule rather than the actual concert length. The note from the listing is brief, and fans looking for an exact end time should check the venue directly.

For Wichita, a Juanes date at The Cotillion is a notable booking for the fall season. The Cotillion, located on West Kellogg just past the airport corridor, is one of the Wichita area's longer-running mid-size concert venues and regularly hosts national touring acts across genres. Juanes has been a steady presence on international touring circuits since his solo debut in the early 2000s and brings a deep, well-known catalog to the road. His Wichita stop gives local listeners a chance to catch a major international artist without making the drive to Kansas City or Oklahoma City. For Spanish-speaking fans in the Wichita area, the show is one of the few chances each year to see a headlining Latin artist at a Wichita venue.

The Cotillion sits at 11120 W Kellogg on Wichita's west side, just past the Eisenhower National Airport corridor. Parking is available on-site at the venue, and the property is set up to handle concert-night traffic. Showtime is listed at 6:00 pm, and The Cotillion typically opens its doors earlier in the evening for general admission and reserved-seat configurations, though this particular listing does not specify a door time. The Cotillion operates as both a standing-room and seated venue, depending on the configuration of the night, so ticket type will determine where you stand or sit.

The StayHappening listing directs ticket buyers to follow the venue's ticket link for current pricing and seat options, since the source page itself does not list a price. The Cotillion typically handles ticketing directly for headlining shows through its own website and box office. As with most Cotillion concerts, attendees should expect standard venue policies on bags, photo ID for the bar, and security screening at the door. Age restrictions are not specified on this listing, so families with younger fans should confirm with the venue before purchasing. Doors typically open an hour or so before the listed start time.

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Lady A Headlines Orpheum Reopening Celebration

Lady A Headlines Orpheum Reopening Celebration

Grammy-winning country trio Lady A will headline the Orpheum Reopening Celebration Concert at the Wichita Orpheum Theatre.

  • Concert
  • Country
  • Lady A
  • Orpheum
  • Reopening
  • Live Music
  • Downtown Wichita

Lady A will headline the Orpheum Reopening Celebration Concert at the Wichita Orpheum Theatre, according to the venue's event listing. The Grammy-winning country trio is set to mark the theater's return with a night built around vocal harmony, vivid emotional songwriting, and the group's signature fusion of country, rock, and pop. For Wichita fans who have watched the venue prepare for a comeback, the booking confirms that the reopening will arrive with a major headliner rather than a soft opening.

Lady A have carved out one of the most successful runs in modern country music. The group has scored 10 No. One hits on Country radio, moved more than 18 million album units and 34 million tracks, and tallied nearly 5 billion digital streams. Their 11X Platinum single 'Need You Now' remains the highest-certified song by a country group. The trio has collected seven Grammy Awards, claimed ACM and CMA 'Vocal Group of the Year' honors three years running, and added a Tony Award nomination to a resume that includes Billboard Music Awards, People's Choice Awards, and Teen Choice Awards.

The reopening concert positions Lady A as the centerpiece of a Wichita moment local music fans have been waiting for. The Orpheum has long anchored downtown Wichita's live-event scene, hosting touring productions, comedy shows, concerts, and community events. A reopening celebration with a platinum-selling headliner is the kind of return that draws audiences from across the region, and the venue's restored stage should give the trio's harmonies room to breathe. Whether listeners come for the biggest hits or the deeper catalog, the night promises the three-part vocal blend that has defined the group since they first broke through.

The concert is scheduled for the Wichita Orpheum Theatre in downtown Wichita. The event page did not list a specific date, showtime, or ticket pricing at the time of writing; the Orpheum's website should be consulted as details are finalized and on-sale information is posted. Fans who want to be among the first through the door are advised to sign up for the venue's email list or follow its social channels for the official on-sale announcement, which is expected to be the first major chance to experience the reopened space.

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The Revivalists headline Orpheum Theatre reopening celebration

The Revivalists headline Orpheum Theatre reopening celebration

The Revivalists bring their Get It Honest tour to the Orpheum Theatre reopening, with St. Louis trio Pernikoff Brothers opening.

  • Revivalists
  • Rock
  • Concert
  • Orpheum
  • Reopening
  • Indie Rock
  • Get It Honest

The Revivalists will headline the Orpheum Theatre reopening celebration in Wichita, with St. Louis folk-rock trio Pernikoff Brothers opening the show, according to the venue's event page. The concert brings the eight-piece New Orleans band, known for 'Wish I Knew You,' 'All My Friends,' and 'Kid,' to the historic Orpheum for a reopening milestone night that doubles as a tour stop behind their sixth studio album.

The Revivalists rose to national attention after singer David Shaw and guitarist Zack Feinberg crossed paths and built the band from dingy dive bars into amphitheater headliners over two decades. Their current tour supports Get It Honest, their sixth studio album, which arrived July 24, 2026. The band describes it as a grown-folks record, built on songs about cutting loose from the past and embracing what keeps you grounded, like family and grace. Seven of the eight members are now fathers, and that shift shows up across the tracklist.

The title track is the record's emotional center. Shaw wrote it in a 3 a.m. burst of inspiration while wrestling with anxiety, new fatherhood, and a family history with alcoholism. 'Well, I'm so bored, so bored of being sober / Maybe I'll go downtown, to some bar down on Decatur,' he wrote. The album keeps acoustic guitar at its heart, according to the band's promotional materials, so the lyrics can sit in the spotlight rather than get swallowed by the eight-piece's larger sound.

Pernikoff Brothers, a modern folk-rock trio from St. Louis, open the night. They reached a major career milestone on May 27, 2024, recording a live album at Abbey Road Studios in London. The Revivalists also run Rev Causes, a philanthropic effort that funnels portions of ticket sales to mental health care, gun-violence reform, and environmental sustainability, according to the event page.

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Where to Eat

6 items · Where to eat and drink — restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, food halls.

EAT at Wichita Art Museum

EAT at Wichita Art Museum

Fresh bites and signature drinks inside WAM

  • Wichita Art Museum
  • Cafe
  • Blue Moon
  • Lunch
  • Coffee
  • Family Friendly

The Wichita Art Museum has launched EAT at Wichita Art Museum, a new on-site café created in partnership with Blue Moon, a familiar Wichita dining name. The café serves fresh, high-quality food and specialty drinks designed to fit into a museum visit, whether you're browsing the galleries, catching up with friends, or bringing the family along. According to the museum, the space is meant to give visitors another reason to linger.

The menu covers a wide range: salads, sandwiches, flatbreads, soups, appetizers, and desserts, plus coffee classics, lattes, espresso, and signature drinks. Kid-friendly favorites are on the list too, making it an easy stop for families. The relaxed, welcoming setting is designed to pair with a museum visit rather than compete with one.

EAT is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 3 PM, with extended Friday hours from 5 PM to 9 PM. The café sits inside the Wichita Art Museum, so museum admission isn't required to grab a bite. It is one more way WAM is building on its commitment to community connection and hospitality.

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Wichita Farmers Markets 2026: A Round-up Guide to Markets Across the Region

Wichita Farmers Markets 2026: A Round-up Guide to Markets Across the Region

Wichita-area farmers markets return for 2026 with free Saturday, Tuesday, and Thursday markets from downtown Old Town to small towns across the region. Season opens in April.

  • Farmers Market
  • Wichita
  • Old Town
  • Kansas Grown
  • Local Food
  • Free
  • Outdoor

Wichita-area farmers markets return for 2026, with free Saturday, Tuesday, and Thursday markets stretching from downtown Old Town to rural towns south and west of the city. According to Wichita on the Cheap's annual round-up, the season runs April through December at the most established venue, with the heaviest scheduling concentrated on Saturdays, when most of the regional markets are open.

The Old Town Farmers Market anchors the season, running April through December every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 835 E. 1st St. North, in a brick courtyard next to the Museum of World Treasures. The round-up notes that vendors include arts and crafts makers, food sellers, live entertainment, and cooking demonstrations. Kansas Grown Farmers Market in West Wichita shares that Saturday cadence from April through October, setting up in the Sedgwick County Extension Center lot at 7001 W. 21st St. North, 7 a.m. to noon, with homegrown produce, handmade items, local honey, and plants.

Mid-week options are limited but worth knowing. GreenAcres Farmers Market at Bradley Fair runs Tuesdays from May 1 through September 25, 3 to 6 p.m., at 8141 E. 21st N., in East Wichita. Reno County's market adds a Wednesday slot from June 3 through September 30, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 103 W. 2nd Ave. in Hutchinson. Two Thursday markets round things out: Kechi hosts its market from June through September, 4 to 6:30 p.m., in the Kechi United Methodist Church parking lot at 4533 E. 61st St. N., and Maize's Farm and Art Market runs the second Thursday of each month from May through September, 5 to 7 p.m., at the Clair Donnelly Amphitheater in Maize City Park.

Saturday is the marquee day across the region. In addition to Old Town and Kansas Grown West, the listings cover Haysville's Hometown Market at 100 S. Main in Haysville (June through August), the Andover Kansas Grown market at 375 S. Heritage Way in Andover (May through October), the Reno County market in Hutchinson, and the Harvey County market at 301 N. Main in Newton (May through October). All of these are free to attend and most run from 7 a.m. to noon.

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The Nifty Nut House

The Nifty Nut House

A Wichita candy landmark since 1937

  • Candy
  • Sweets
  • Nuts
  • Wichita
  • Old School
  • Family Friendly
  • Historic

The Nifty Nut House has anchored Wichita's sweet scene since 1937, stocking more than 4,500 candies, nuts and snacks across its packed shelves. Generations of Wichitans have grown up treating the shop like a destination rather than a quick stop, according to Visit Wichita's bakery and sweets guide.

Food Network host Alton Brown once called the store a national treasure, and the inventory backs up the hype. Glass jars line the walls holding everything from nostalgic penny candy to modern chocolates, spiced nuts, gummies and bulk-bin favorites. It is the kind of shop where browsers linger, kids press their noses to the glass, and gift bags practically assemble themselves. Locals lean on it for stocking stuffers, road-trip snacks and party trays year-round.

The shop sits in east Wichita and stays open year-round, making it a natural anchor for a broader bakery and sweets crawl through town. Pair it with a stop at Old Town or the Douglas Design District for an afternoon of small-shop exploring, or use it as the sugar finale after dinner at one of the city's sit-down restaurants.

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O'Malley's Irish Pub

O'Malley's Irish Pub

145 Irish whiskeys, 24 drafts, and a daily happy hour Wichita calls the best in town.

  • Irish Pub
  • Wichita
  • Happy Hour
  • Whiskey
  • Craft Beer
  • Karaoke
  • Patio
  • Delivery

O'Malley's Irish Pub is a Wichita staple known for an unusually deep drink list and a kitchen that leans into traditional Irish fare. According to the pub's profile on Three Best Rated, the bar stocks more than 145 Irish whiskeys and over 150 craft and import beers, with 24 drafts and a steady rotation of Wichita-made brews. The kitchen runs the full pub spectrum, from shepherd's pie and bangers and mash to boxty, alongside pizzas, burgers, subs, and wings.

The biggest draw is the daily happy hour, which the pub bills as Wichita's #1. From 2 PM to 7 PM every day, liquor, pizza, and appetizers go to half price, with discounts on draft beer stacked on top. Daily food specials layer in more value: $1 tacos, deal-priced smash burgers, and country-fried steak keep the menu moving through the week. The atmosphere is loud and social, with a karaoke room and a large patio, plus delivery for anyone who wants the food without the bar noise.

Entry is 21 and up. The pub operates as a full bar and restaurant, so plan to eat in or order out, and expect the room's peak energy during the late-afternoon happy hour window. For larger groups or special occasions, the patio and karaoke room give the space room to breathe beyond the main bar.

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Twin Peaks West Wichita

Twin Peaks West Wichita

Lodge life, scratch food, and every game on screen.

  • Wichita
  • Sports Bar
  • American
  • Burgers
  • Wings
  • Craft Beer
  • Whiskey
  • Private Events

Twin Peaks West Wichita is a lodge-themed sports bar and American comfort food kitchen on Wichita's west side. The restaurant leans into a lumberjack-cabin feel, with scratch-made menu items and a signature Frosty 29° local craft beer on tap. According to the business profile, the lodge is set up as the kind of place to watch football, basketball, live UFC fights, and other primetime matchups, with HD screens visible from every direction.

The kitchen centers on hand-smashed burgers, beer-battered chicken tenders, and chicken wings tossed in a choice of ten sauces, sized for sharing with a group. The bar side runs barrel-aged whiskey and rotating craft beer, with a friendly, attentive staff that the listing describes as making every first-time guest feel like a regular. Twin Peaks also has outdoor seating, gift cards available with custom personalization, and an event hall that can be reserved for private parties.

The venue functions as both a casual weeknight dinner spot and a game-day gathering place, with private party space bookable by reservation. Pricing and an exact street address were not listed on the source page, so confirm details directly with the venue before you go.

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Chicken & Pickle

Chicken & Pickle

Pickleball, lawn games, and patio dinners in east Wichita.

  • Patio
  • Pickleball
  • East Wichita
  • Family Friendly
  • Lawn Games
  • Groups

Chicken & Pickle's east Wichita location has become a favorite stop for families looking for a patio dinner that doubles as an activity night, according to the Wichita Mom guide to Wichita's best outdoor dining. The venue pairs indoor and outdoor space around a sprawling pickleball court, with bocce ball, shuffleboard, corn hole, and Jenga set up alongside the tables so the meal and the game share the same room, or the same yard.

Wichita Mom calls it a favorite place to grab some dinner with friends, and frames it as ideal for both families and large groups on one of Kansas's perfect patio weather days, the in-between stretches of mild skies Wichita gets an unpredictable but generous handful of each year. It's built for lingering evenings: grab food, share a drink, rotate the kids through the courts, and let the sunset do the rest while nobody has to sit still.

The Wichita Mom guide does not list the east Wichita address, hours, or pricing, so check the venue's own site or Google Maps before you go, and call ahead if you want to claim a specific court or patio section for a big group or a birthday.

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Places to Go

135 items · Evergreen points of interest — parks, museums, trails, landmarks, galleries.

Gallery Alley

Gallery Alley

An outdoor gallery where Wichita art meets the lunch crowd

  • Public Art
  • Downtown Wichita
  • Outdoor Gallery
  • Local Artists
  • Douglas Avenue
  • Alley Doors
  • Free

Gallery Alley is a downtown Wichita outdoor art gallery tucked just west of the overhead railroad tracks along Douglas Avenue. The alley sits between a row of well-loved local businesses including Old Mill Tasty Shop, Third Place Brewery, and Paradise Donuts, according to Visit Wichita. Launched in 2017 as a temporary pilot project, it was designed to beautify and revitalize downtown by transforming an underused side street into a vibrant public space for people, art, and lunch breaks.

In 2021 the alley was reimagined again. Downtown Wichita partnered with Envision, an organization focused on improving quality of life for people who are visually impaired, to create intersensory art installations that make the space welcoming for everyone. Five local artists built out the new phase, giving visitors a chance to experience Wichita-made public art in a way that engages more than just sight. While you're there, look for two of the city's painted Alley Doors, a separate project in which local artists repurpose downtown service doors as canvases; one sits in Gallery Alley itself and another is painted on the back of Old Mill Tasty Shop.

The alley is free and open to the public, and it doubles as a hangout for live music from local musicians and casual outdoor seating. Because it's an outdoor public space between businesses, there are no formal admission hours, plan to visit during daylight and pair it with a meal or drink next door.

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Colorful Wichita mural painted on a building wall

Wichita Murals

An outdoor gallery of 100+ walls, free to wander.

  • Murals
  • Public Art
  • Self Guided Tour
  • Outdoor
  • Free
  • Photography
  • 21st And Broadway

Wichita's mural collection is a sprawling outdoor gallery with more than 100 painted walls spread across neighborhoods citywide, according to Visit Wichita. The pieces range from positive messages and civic pride to bold abstract work, and each one reflects a piece of the city's personality. The Visit Wichita page links to a full-screen interactive map so visitors can plot a self-guided route from mural to mural, on foot or by car.

One standout not to miss: near 21st and Broadway sits what the Visit Wichita page describes as the largest mural in the world painted by a single artist. Beyond that headliner, the north side and surrounding districts are home to additional public art installations worth detouring for. The murals come from a mix of art collectives and individual creators, so styles vary widely, making repeat visits rewarding for anyone who likes spotting new pieces.

Tours are self-guided and free, so the practical side is simple: bring comfortable shoes, a charged phone for the map, and a camera. The murals are outdoors and viewable year-round, day or evening, though daylight gives the best color. Pair a mural crawl with stops at nearby coffee shops or breweries to turn it into a half-day outing.

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Alley Doors

Alley Doors

A self-guided art walk through Wichita's alleys

  • Public Art
  • Walking Tour
  • Downtown
  • Old Town
  • Douglas Design District
  • Free
  • Kid Friendly

Alley Doors is a self-guided public art tour launched in 2020 that places painted doors across Wichita's downtown core. Kansas artists created the work using paint and the existing doors at various properties throughout the city. According to Visit Wichita, the tour stretches through Downtown Wichita, Old Town, and the Douglas Design District.

The appeal is in looking where most people don't. Even visitors who have been inside the buildings before may have walked right past the art tucked into the alleys. The project is meant to add beauty and character to the city's core, and the route passes other pieces of public art along the way, so a short outing can turn into a longer browse through nearby shops and cafés.

At a casual pace, the ten doors take about an hour to find, with time left over for Instagram-worthy photos. The doors can be accessed any time of year, and visitors can extend the outing with beverage and snack stops or by popping into retail along the route. The project is led by Downtown Wichita and funded by the Knight Foundation Fund at the Wichita Community Foundation.

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Georgia Gerber's Bronze Sculptures Along Downtown Wichita's Douglas Avenue

Georgia Gerber's Bronze Sculptures Along Downtown Wichita's Douglas Avenue

A free outdoor collection of whimsical bronze sculptures by Georgia Gerber, spread along four blocks of Douglas Avenue in downtown Wichita.

  • Public Art
  • Sculpture
  • Downtown
  • Douglas Avenue
  • Free
  • Outdoor
  • Walking

The Douglas Avenue Streetscape collection of bronze sculptures by Washington artist Georgia Gerber fills four blocks of downtown Wichita with whimsical public installations. Commissioned by The DeVore Foundation in the 1990s as part of a downtown restoration initiative, the sculptures blend architectural and natural elements to draw passersby in for a closer look, according to the Visit Wichita listing.

Several pieces incorporate running water, while others depict life-size animals and human figures, turning a walk down Douglas Avenue into a scavenger hunt. One local favorite, the Barefoot Business Man, has become something of a community mascot; residents regularly leave hats, scarves, and other small additions on the statue, and that informal interaction captures what makes the collection feel distinctly Wichita.

The sculptures are outdoors and free to visit at any time along Douglas Avenue in the urban core, making them a natural stop while exploring downtown Wichita's other attractions. Pick a stretch of sidewalk and see how many you can count.

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Chrome Bumper Sculptures by John Kearney

Chrome Bumper Sculptures by John Kearney

Shiny chrome critters, welded from auto bumpers, hiding in plain sight around Wichita.

  • Public Art
  • Sculpture
  • John Kearney
  • Chrome Bumper
  • Delano
  • Wsu
  • Outdoor Art

Artist John Kearney welded chrome from old auto bumpers, sourced from a garbage dump, into life-size sculptures, many shaped like animals. Several of his pieces are scattered across Wichita in public spaces, giving locals and visitors a chance to see the work up close. While many Kearney sculptures live in private collections, Wichita has kept a handful on display around town, according to Visit Wichita.

The most photographed piece is a chrome-plated bull at Delano Park, on McLean Boulevard near the Douglas Street Bridge in the Historic Delano District. It was originally one of a pair called "Two Steers" and serves as a tribute to the cattle drives that once traveled the Chisholm Trail. Its twin stands in front of Maize High School. "Grandfather's Horse," near Hubbard Hall on the Wichita State University campus, is part of the Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection and recently underwent restoration to bring back its mirror finish.

All of the sculptures are free to view and sit outdoors. Because the pieces are spread across town, a self-guided driving or biking tour is the easiest way to see more than one in a single trip. Local partners keep up ongoing restoration work to keep the chrome in pristine, shiny condition.

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Sedgwick County Art Walk

Sedgwick County Art Walk

An outdoor sculpture walk where you're invited to touch the art

  • Public Art
  • Sculpture
  • Outdoor
  • Family Friendly
  • Sedgwick County Park
  • Conservation
  • Wichita

The Sedgwick County Art Walk is an interactive outdoor sculpture space set in a 20-acre meadow at Sedgwick County Park, near the park's 13th Street entrance. Conceived by friends Terry Corbett and Tobin Rupe, the installation uses nature itself as a medium and centers on themes of conservation. The park is handicap accessible, and visitors are encouraged to touch and interact with the sculptures, so bring a camera and curious hands.

Works on view are by six Kansas-based artists: Terry Corbett, Tobin Rupe, Conrad Snider, Gino Salerno, Larry Goodwin, and Richie Bergen. Tobin Rupe's Turtle Maze is a walkable path of Kansas limestone that ends at a stone marked with a medallion and a riddle, and the Crane Dance sculpture celebrates the return of the whooping crane after the species nearly went extinct. Planned future additions to the meadow include three 30-foot totem poles illustrated with North American animals, a circle of ten buffalo stone sculptures, a 125-foot steel-pipe fossil fish, and a group of stones in the style of an inukshuk.

Admission is free, and the space is family-friendly year-round. Sedgwick County donated the land in 2010 and maintains the park; project funding came from private donations with assistance from the Arts Council.

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First Friday Gallery Crawl Lights Up Downtown Wichita Monthly

First Friday Gallery Crawl Lights Up Downtown Wichita Monthly

Wichita's free, monthly self-guided art tour

  • First Friday
  • Art
  • Galleries
  • Downtown
  • Free
  • Monthly
  • Wichita
  • Gallery Crawl

The First Friday Gallery Crawl takes place the first Friday of each month at galleries across downtown Wichita and throughout the city, drawing thousands of students, families, and art lovers each evening. According to the Downtown Wichita website, most participating galleries hold open hours during the core window of 7 to 9 p.m., though individual locations may set their own start and end times based on their programming. The crawl is a community-wide celebration that has become a staple of Wichita's visual arts calendar and a reliable entry point for newcomers curious about the local scene.

This grassroots event continues to thrive because of the collective vision and collaboration of local galleries and artists. What started as a way to spotlight creative spaces has grown into a monthly tradition that connects Wichita's visual arts community with a wider audience, including first-time visitors, casual strollers, and seasoned collectors alike. The crawl encourages people to step inside studios and galleries they might otherwise walk past during a busy week, and it gives smaller venues a recurring reason to keep their doors open in the evening.

Many galleries use First Friday to unveil and debut new shows, while others schedule the evening as a closing reception for current exhibitions. Several venues across the city also incorporate artist demonstrations and live music into the night, turning the crawl into a self-guided cultural tour that runs well beyond a standard museum visit. Visitors can view creative art spaces and, according to the Downtown Wichita website, also purchase one-of-a-kind artwork directly from the artists themselves, which makes the night both an outing and a shopping opportunity.

All venues are free and open to the public, with no tickets or RSVPs required to attend. Hours vary between galleries, so visitors planning a route should confirm individual listings before heading out; the core window is 7 to 9 p.m. on the first Friday of each month. Parking is available throughout downtown, and many participating galleries are within walking distance of one another, making it easy to hit several stops in a single evening without needing to drive between locations.

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Paddle Downtown on the Arkansas River This Summer

Paddle Downtown on the Arkansas River This Summer

Float downtown on the National Water Trail

  • Arkansas River
  • Kayaking
  • Boat Rides
  • Keeper Of The Plains
  • Downtown Wichita
  • National Water Trail
  • Wichita Parks
  • Summer

Downtown Wichita's stretch of the Arkansas River is open for guided floats and short boat rides this summer and into early fall. Wichita Park and Recreation is running its Floatin' on the River tour series through the warm months, with sunset, glow, and senior versions on offer. ICT River Rides is operating shorter 15-minute cruises from the east bank of the Douglas bridge. Both give locals a fresh way to see downtown from the water without leaving the city.

The Arkansas starts near Leadville, Colorado, and runs nearly 1,469 miles to its confluence with the Mississippi in eastern Arkansas. A 192-mile stretch from Great Bend to the Kansas-Oklahoma border is designated a National Water Trail by the U.S. National Park Service. That designation puts the river through downtown Wichita on the same federal list as other nationally significant paddling routes, and the Park and Rec float tours follow that path right past the Keeper of the Plains.

The Floatin' on the River tours cost $40 per person and require pre-registration, according to the Wichita Park and Recreation River Recreation page. Space is limited and walk-ups are rare, though the agency encourages visitors to check for cancellations. The glow tour is timed to coincide with the Ring of Fire lighting at the Keeper of the Plains statue, an effect that lights the river and the steel sculpture in tandem each evening.

ICT River Rides offers 15-minute boat rides for $15 per person on a six-passenger craft. Operators generally run from 5 to 10 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with the season stretching from May 1 through October 1. Hours can shift based on weather and demand, so the company posts updates on its Facebook page. Both options launch from the east bank near the Douglas bridge downtown.

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Alley Doors

Alley Doors

Downtown's back doors, transformed.

  • Public Art
  • Downtown
  • Walking Tour
  • Free
  • Kansas Artists
  • Urban Gallery

The Alley Doors project turns downtown Wichita's back doors into a public art trail. According to the Downtown Wichita website, participating property and business owners browse an online database of artwork created by Kansas artists, choose their favorites, and have the pieces printed on vinyl and applied to their alley or back-of-building doors.

The result is a free, self-guided walking tour spread across the urban core. Visitors can use the project's list and interactive map to plan a route, turning a regular downtown stroll into a scavenger hunt for art you might otherwise walk past. Because the selection rotates as new owners and artists join, repeat visits can turn up different doors.

The doors are scattered across downtown alleys, so comfortable shoes and a curious eye are all you need. There is no admission fee and no set schedule, since the gallery is open whenever downtown is. Check the Downtown Wichita website for the current list of doors and the interactive map to guide your route.

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Wichita Art Museum Art Garden

Wichita Art Museum Art Garden

Eight acres of sculpture and native plantings, free and open around the clock

  • Sculpture
  • Garden
  • Free
  • Outdoor
  • Public Art
  • Little Arkansas River
  • Wam

The Wichita Art Museum Art Garden transformed eight acres around the museum into a public outdoor space when it opened in September 2015. The roofless "museum" mixes sculpture with plantings that reflect the terrain of Kansas, anchored by the beauty of the Little Arkansas River running through the heart of the city.

Thirteen outdoor sculptures share the grounds with more than 100 trees, nearly 600 shrubs, and over 20,000 perennials and grasses spanning 80-plus species. The layout was crafted by the Kansas City design firm Confluence, with plantings installed by Tree Top Nursery and project credits going to Jeff Van Sickle at GLMV Architecture and Bob Simpson at Simpson Construction Services. Admission to the Art Garden is free.

The garden is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so visitors can drop in for a quiet sunrise walk, a midday break, or a stargazing stroll after dinner. It works for a quick solo visit or a longer family wander, with room to sit, sketch, picnic, or let kids burn off energy among the sculpture.

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Wichita Art Museum

Wichita Art Museum

Wichita's art museum is free for everyone, every day.

  • Art
  • Museum
  • Free Admission
  • Family
  • Kids
  • Exhibitions
  • Library Pass

The Wichita Art Museum (WAM) is Wichita's home for visual arts, offering free general admission to every visitor. The museum rotates temporary exhibitions throughout the year, drawing on its permanent collection alongside traveling shows. Beyond the galleries, WAM runs youth and family programs designed to make art accessible and engaging for visitors of all ages, with hands-on activities that invite kids and adults to connect with the works on display.

A standout feature for local families: more than 40 public libraries across the Wichita metro and the state of Kansas offer free Library Passes for all temporary exhibitions at WAM. Patrons can visit their library to check out a pass and see the latest shows at no cost. Free Saturday Featured Events round out the museum's accessible programming, sponsored by Colby Sandlian of Sandlian Realty.

WAM's youth and family programs are supported by Bank of America and the Art Bridges Foundation's Access for All program, with youth education programs underwritten by the Lynne Ruffin-Smith Charitable Foundation. Exhibitions and public programs also benefit from the Downing Foundation and the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, which receives state and federal arts funding. The combination of free general admission and free pass access makes WAM one of the most budget-friendly cultural stops in the region, according to the museum.

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Museum of World Treasures

Museum of World Treasures

  • Wichita
  • Museum
  • History
  • Vietnam
  • Photography
  • Family
  • Exhibits

The Museum of World Treasures in Wichita is a three-floor cabinet of curiosities that hops between eras without warning. The current featured exhibit, "Through the Lens: War in Vietnam, 1954 - 1975," puts visitors in the cockpit alongside a dedicated aerial photographer whose shots captured dogfights, base life, and the occasional entertainer visiting the troops, according to the museum's website. The display pairs those images with the everyday objects that defined the conflict: war rations, uniforms worn by American and Vietnamese soldiers, and artifacts tied to the cultural unrest back home.

The Vietnam gallery is one slice of a much bigger story. The same building houses dinosaur skeletons, Egyptian mummies, World War artifacts, and shrunken heads, so a visit can swing from prehistoric to ancient to twentieth-century in a single afternoon. The Vietnam exhibit in particular gives Wichita a chance to engage with a war that reshaped American culture, viewed through the eyes of one photographer who chose to document it from above rather than write about it from the ground.

The museum invites visitors to spend anywhere from a few hours to a full day exploring, and the collection's breadth makes it a fit for families, school groups, and curious adults alike. Specific hours and admission pricing are not listed on this exhibit page, so check the museum's main site before you go.

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Museum of World Treasures

Museum of World Treasures

A Cold War relic, a T.rex, and a few thousand years of history, all under one roof

  • Berlin Wall
  • Cold War
  • History
  • Museum
  • Dinosaurs
  • Family
  • Downtown Wichita

The Museum of World Treasures in downtown Wichita houses an 11-foot-tall section of the original Berlin Wall on its first floor, displayed in partnership with the American Overseas Schools Historical Society (AOSHS). The wall stood from 1961 to 1989, splitting Berlin into East and West and forcing families to live on opposite sides of a fortified border. After it fell, demolition crews worked from 1990 through 1991 to clear the remains. Today, this rare surviving fragment calls Wichita home.

The Berlin Wall is just one stop in a collection that mixes eras in unexpected ways. Step away from Cold War history and you are at the Fossil Gallery, home to Ivan the T.rex and specimens millions of years old. The museum also displays Egyptian mummies, World War II artifacts, and shrunken heads, an eclectic lineup that draws families, school groups, and curious adults. Staff are on hand to explain why a piece of 20th-century political history shares floor space with ancient fossils, an unusual pairing that has become part of the museum's charm.

The Berlin Wall section sits near the Fossil Gallery on the first floor, per the museum's website. General museum admission applies. Plan to spend a few hours exploring, longer if you want to take in the full collection. The museum is a Wichita staple for school field trips and family outings looking for something a little different.

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Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection

Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection

Eighty-one sculptures, one free campus stroll

  • Sculpture
  • Public Art
  • Wichita State
  • Ulrich Museum
  • Outdoor
  • Free
  • Family
  • Self Guided

The Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection sits on the Wichita State University campus just outside the Ulrich Museum of Art, with 81 world-class pieces spread across the grounds for a self-guided tour. According to Visit Wichita, the collection has been part of WSU's public landscape since 1972 and operates as an outdoor extension of the Ulrich Museum's permanent collection.

Art lovers will recognize an iconic LOVE sculpture by Robert Indiana, and visitors are invited to leave a personalized lock on the Love Locks Pod by Brandy Hatter before tossing the key into a nearby pond. The collection's most recent acquisition is 'Twister Grande' by Alice Aycock, a kinetic sculpture designed to move with the wind and channel the natural force that shapes Kansas weather. The Ulrich Museum's mobile app offers updated content, audio tours, events, and an interactive sculpture map to guide the walk.

Admission is free and the collection is accessible whenever the WSU campus is open. Each summer the Ulrich hosts Sculpture Glow, when the pieces are illuminated for after-hours exploration. Pair the outdoor walk with a visit inside the Ulrich Museum of Art to fill out a half-day art day on campus.

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Museum of World Treasures Lecture Series Brings Two Monthly Programs for Adults and Seniors

Museum of World Treasures Lecture Series Brings Two Monthly Programs for Adults and Seniors

Two monthly lectures, one curious crowd

  • Museum
  • Lecture
  • Seniors
  • Education
  • Recurring
  • Coffee
  • Wichita

The Museum of World Treasures in Wichita runs two recurring monthly lecture programs aimed at curious adults and seniors. Senior Wednesdays meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 1:30 pm, offering $4 talks (plus tax) with refreshments provided. The series operates under the Wichita Senior Wednesday coalition, connecting local seniors with educational programming across the city. On the third Thursday of each month at 9:30 am, the museum hosts Coffee With the Curator, another $4 lecture (plus tax) that includes coffee from The Spice Merchant and a light breakfast.

These recurring programs offer Wichita's older adults and lifelong learners a steady rhythm of cultural enrichment throughout the year. The Senior Wednesdays partnership with the Wichita Senior Wednesday coalition means museum-goers can attend alongside friends from across the city's senior community, making it as much a social outing as an educational one. Coffee With the Curator trades the afternoon slot for a morning meet-up that pairs curator-led talks with caffeine from one of Wichita's local roasters. Both programs are free for Museum of World Treasures members, giving members two built-in reasons to visit the museum each month.

Both lectures cost $4 plus tax for non-members and are free for museum members. Senior Wednesdays include refreshments; Coffee With the Curator includes Spice Merchant coffee and light breakfast foods. The events run year-round on their respective first Wednesday and third Thursday schedules. To see specific topics and featured speakers for upcoming talks, the museum directs visitors to its online Events Calendar on the worldtreasures.org website.

The lecture series is geared toward adult and senior audiences, though all ages are welcome. Visitors can typically drop in for these recurring programs without an RSVP, though checking the Events Calendar in advance is recommended for the latest talk topics and any schedule changes. At $4 per session, the lectures rank among Wichita's more affordable cultural offerings for adults looking to learn something new.

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Museum of World Treasures hosts $8 Night in September

Museum of World Treasures hosts $8 Night in September

  • Museum
  • After Hours
  • Downtown Wichita
  • Discount
  • Family

The Museum of World Treasures is hosting a special $8 Night on Friday, September 25, 2026, with the museum open from 5 PM to 7 PM for after-hours exploration at a discounted rate. Admission is $8 per person, and members of the museum attend free, according to the museum's events page.

The event is billed as a rare chance to wander the museum after hours, in a quieter and more intimate setting than the usual daytime experience. The Museum of World Treasures is one of downtown Wichita's signature attractions, drawing visitors from across Kansas and beyond. Its permanent collection covers a wide stretch of history, from ancient civilizations through modern eras, including fossils, ancient artifacts, military memorabilia, and rotating temporary exhibits. Visitors during the two-hour window can move at their own pace through the galleries without the typical daytime crowds. The $8 price point also makes it one of the more affordable after-hours museum events in the region, well below standard ticket rates.

For Wichita families, the timing works well as a Friday evening activity that doesn't cut into the weekend, and for adults it's structured around a date-night or solo-outing format. The two-hour window is short enough to fit into a workweek but long enough to see most of the museum's main exhibits without rushing. Because the museum typically closes in the late afternoon on regular days, this is one of the few chances each year to experience the space in the evening, according to the listing on the museum's website. It's also a low-pressure introduction for anyone who hasn't visited the museum before and wants to try it without committing to a full-price ticket.

Tickets are $8 plus tax and are free for museum members. The event runs only from 5 PM to 7 PM on September 25, so visitors should plan to arrive during that window and not expect to enter before or after. Parking is available on-site at the museum, and standard museum admission policies apply for the after-hours event. Anyone planning to attend is encouraged to check the museum's website or contact the museum directly for any updates on policies, accessibility, or member verification at the door.

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Keepers on Parade Public Art Trail

Keepers on Parade Public Art Trail

A citywide scavenger hunt of color, place, and local pride.

  • Public Art
  • Sculpture
  • Self Guided Tour
  • Keeper Of The Plains
  • Outdoor
  • Free

The Keepers on Parade are 10-foot fiberglass statues scattered across Wichita, each painted by a local artist as a tribute to the city's Keeper of the Plains. Originally launched by Together Wichita to mark a city milestone birthday, the program is now run by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce. Each commissioned artist lives and works in Wichita, and their connection to the city shows up in the finished piece.

From graffiti-style work to intricate brush strokes, every statue is a one-of-a-kind take on Wichita. Many Keepers reflect the neighborhood or site where they stand, turning a casual drive across town into a scavenger hunt. The project keeps growing too; new statues are dedicated over time as lasting gifts to the city, so repeat visits pay off.

The art is free to enjoy and visible outdoors year-round. The Visit Wichita page links to an interactive map of every Keeper, which makes it easy to plan a self-guided tour by car, bike, or on foot. Pair a Keeper hunt with a stop at the original Keeper of the Plains along the Arkansas River for the full picture.

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Elm Neighborhood Park

Elm Neighborhood Park

A small Wichita neighborhood park at Central and Grove with a fenced playground, benches, and a picnic table.

  • Wichita
  • Park
  • Playground
  • Neighborhood
  • Family
  • Outdoors

Elm Neighborhood Park is a small city park tucked into the northeast corner of Central and Grove, built as a walk-in green space for nearby residents. According to the City of Wichita, the park was developed in 2015 at the request of the Elm Neighborhood Association and includes a playground, benches, and picnic tables on a compact lot.

The playground equipment is primarily designed for elementary school-aged children, making it a handy stop for families in the neighborhood who want a quick outdoor break without leaving the area. Perimeter fencing surrounds the park to add a layer of safety, and the bench and picnic table invite caregivers to linger while kids climb and swing.

Because the park was planned with local residents in mind, it works best as a walk-in destination rather than a destination park. It pairs well with a stroll through the surrounding neighborhood or a stop on the way home from school, and is a useful example of the small amenity parks Wichita has tucked into its older streetcar-era blocks.

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Arkansas River Recreation in Downtown Wichita

Arkansas River Recreation in Downtown Wichita

Paddle through downtown on a National Water Trail

  • Kayaking
  • Arkansas River
  • Watson Park
  • National Water Trail
  • Outdoor Recreation
  • Downtown Wichita

Wichita Parks and Recreation runs the city's River Recreation program, a public effort to activate the Arkansas River through downtown. According to the city's River Recreation page, the program offers self-service kayak rentals and a coordinated access plan developed with Sedgwick County, Kansas Wildlife and Parks, and other local partners. That work helped secure the Arkansas River's designation as a National Water Trail by the National Park Service, putting Wichita on the same trail map as a small group of recognized water routes nationwide.

The practical draw for locals is simple: you can put a kayak in the Big Arkansas without owning one. Wichita Parks and Recreation has partnered with Rent.Fun to offer self-service kayak rentals at Watson Park; users scan a QR code on the rental cage to reserve and pay for a set duration, and renters must be 18 or older. Visitors can also bring their own kayak, either on the river or at Watson Park, where a waiver and check-in at the clubhouse are required before getting on the water.

The designated non-motorized zone runs between the Lincoln Street Dam and the Amidon/Meridian Bridge, and craft must stay 50 feet from the Falls Area at the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas rivers. Boating is allowed only between sunrise and sunset, with a 40 mph speed limit and a 150-foot buffer from the Lincoln Street Dam. Kansas law requires life jackets for children 12 and under, and any kayak or SUP occupant must wear one regardless of age. The boat ramp between the Lewis Street Bridge and the Kellogg Overpass Bridge is locked at 9 pm. No swimming or fishing from boats or bridges is allowed in the designated area.

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Wichita City Lakes Fishing

Wichita City Lakes Fishing

Six stocked parks and two rivers, all inside the city limits

  • Fishing
  • Parks
  • Outdoors
  • Stocked Lakes
  • Arkansas River
  • Little Arkansas River
  • Chisholm Creek
  • Oj Watson
  • South Lakes

Wichita keeps public fishing waters open through a cooperative program with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. Six city parks receive regular stockings of sport fish: Chisholm Creek Park North, Chisholm Creek Park South, Cowskin Greenway (Nellie's Pond), K-96 Lake Park, O.J. Watson Park, and South Lakes Park, according to the City of Wichita Parks and Recreation page.

Rainbow trout are released at KDOT East Lake and in Big Slough Creek from October 15 through April 1, before water warms past lethal levels. Many lakes are also stocked with wipers, a white bass and striped bass hybrid raised for trophy potential and to help control rough fish. Bass, crappie, and bluegill reproduce naturally; other species swimming these waters include carp, flathead catfish, drum, buffalo, and gizzard shad. Statewide minimum length limits of 15 inches apply to walleye and largemouth bass in all public waters.

All state fishing regulations apply, and some lakes have park-specific hours or creel limits posted at the entrance, so check the signs before wetting a line. City ordinance also permits fishing along both banks of the Little Arkansas River from Central to its confluence with the Arkansas, and along stretches of the Arkansas within city limits, with several bridges off limits. A personal flotation device policy governs all city park waters. Anglers should also note that statewide license requirements apply, and the city page points readers to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks fishing guide for full details.

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Riverside Tennis Center

Riverside Tennis Center

Wichita's riverfront home for tennis, pickleball, leagues, and lessons

  • Tennis
  • Pickleball
  • Arkansas River
  • City Of Wichita
  • Courts
  • Recreation

The Riverside Tennis Center is a city-owned tennis and pickleball facility tucked along the Arkansas River in Wichita. The grounds include both indoor and outdoor courts, so play keeps going through Kansas winters and hot summers alike. A clubhouse on site offers seating for a cold drink before or after a match, plus restrooms between sets.

The center is more than just open court time. According to the City of Wichita, the pro shop sells and rents racquets, paddles, and balls, and offers restringing and other essential gear. Year-round programming includes leagues, lessons, tournaments, birthday parties, and other special events, so there is a way to get on the courts whether you are a first-time player or a league regular.

Court rentals, leagues, and lessons are open to the public. Players planning a first visit should check the city page for current hours, court fees, and how to reserve a court or sign up for the next league session.

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Arkansas River Path

Arkansas River Path

Wichita's top family bike ride, along the river through downtown.

  • Bike Path
  • Family
  • Outdoors
  • Free
  • Dogs Allowed
  • Downtown
  • Arkansas River

The Arkansas River Path is a 10.8-mile paved trail that runs through the heart of Wichita along the Arkansas River, connecting downtown to parks and city attractions on both banks. According to Wichita Mom's Neighborhood Groups, it tops the list of best bike paths in Wichita for families with kids, thanks to its mix of scenic river views and easy access to nearby amenities.

The path is free to use and offers plenty of parking along the route, with quiet stretches that let younger riders build confidence before tackling busier areas. Dogs are welcome on the trail, making it a popular pick for multi-species family outings. Riders can stop at adjacent parks, playgrounds, and riverfront spots along the way, so a quick ride can easily stretch into a half-day outing.

The trail connects to other Wichita bike infrastructure, including the OJ Watson Park segment to the south. Parking is available at multiple access points along the river, and the paved surface accommodates kids' bikes, trailers, and tag-along attachments.

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Newton Murals and Arts Project

Newton Murals and Arts Project

Free self-guided walking tour of public murals across downtown Newton, Kansas, north of Wichita.

  • Newton
  • Murals
  • Public Art
  • Day Trip
  • Family
  • Free
  • Walking Tour

Wichita Mom's day-trip guide to Newton, Kansas highlights the Newton Murals and Arts Project, a community effort that has spent years adding colorful murals across downtown. The pieces reflect the town's identity and the people who live there. Visitors can spot sunflowers nodding on brick walls, a tribute to the Beatles, painted wings honoring first responders and other works by local artists. The murals are scattered through the downtown area, so seeing them all becomes a self-guided walking tour.

The whole project is free, family-friendly and works for any age, from toddlers in strollers to grandparents who can lean on a cane. Kids turn it into a scavenger hunt, and grown-ups get a feel for small-town Kansas character that you just can't get from the interstate. Pair the mural walk with a slice at Back Alley Pizza or a pastry at Norm's Coffee Bar, both on or near Main Street, and you've got a half-day day trip north of Wichita.

Murals are viewable anytime from the public sidewalk, but daylight is best for photographing the details. Parking is available on Main Street and the surrounding blocks. The town also has 17 parks and over 8.5 miles of bike and jogging paths if you want to extend the day.

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Wichita History Museum rolls out 2026 Senior Wednesday lineup

Ten months of Sedgwick County stories, one Wednesday at a time

  • History
  • Museum
  • Lecture
  • Wichita
  • Seniors
  • Sedgwick County
  • Free
  • Recurring

The Wichita Sedgwick County Historical Museum hosts Senior Wednesdays on the fourth Wednesday of each month from January through October, with programs starting at 10:00am and doors open at 9:30am. Each session pairs a presentation with a related tour through the museum's exhibition galleries, giving attendees both a focused talk and a chance to see relevant artifacts in person. Guests who can't make it in person can watch the talks on the museum's YouTube channel or Facebook page (@wichitahistory) a short time later, according to the museum's website.

The 2026 lineup covers a wide swath of local history, from frontier-era events to mid-century architecture. The year opens on January 28 with a Kansas Day Celebration, followed by a look at life during the Dust Bowl on February 25. March 25 spotlights 'Last Stand at Rebel Creek: The Osage as Union Allies in Civil War Kansas,' a story that complicates the standard Civil War narrative in the state. April 22 brings WSU Museum Studies students to the floor with their exhibit 'Service Beyond Barriers.'

May through October keeps the variety coming. A screening of the 'Let's Talk Shop' documentary takes the stage May 27, and Frank Lloyd Wright's Wichita footprint comes up June 24, a topic of perennial local interest given the architect's regional work. July 22 delves into 19th-century Sedgwick County crime, while August 26 lifts the lid on the 'Shady Ladies of the Peerless Princess.' September 23 traces the area's history 'Before the Hillcrest in College Hill,' and October 28 lets museum docents share their personal favorite pieces from the collection.

Admission is $2 for non-members and free to members and their guests, which makes the series one of the more accessible ways to engage with local history on a regular schedule. Programs take place at the Wichita Sedgwick County Historical Museum, and the series is supported in part by The Charles and Joanne McIlwaine Foundation. Anyone interested in helping with the refreshment table beforehand can email museum@wichitahistory.org or call 316-265-9314. The talks are designed with seniors in mind but are open to anyone curious about Sedgwick County's past.

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WAM Museum Store

WAM Museum Store

  • Wichita Art Museum
  • Museum Store
  • Gifts
  • Shopping
  • Wam

Tucked inside the Wichita Art Museum, the Museum Store carries a curated selection of art-inspired gifts chosen with care. Shoppers can browse items meant to reflect the museum's collection and current exhibitions, ranging from small keepsakes and prints to statement jewelry, books, and home goods worth giving as gifts.

Every purchase supports WAM directly, helping fund the exhibitions, programs, and community events the museum runs throughout the year. It's an easy way to pick up a Wichita-flavored souvenir for a visitor, find a present for an art lover, or treat yourself while giving back to one of the city's longstanding cultural institutions.

The store is open 10 am to 5 pm Wednesday through Sunday, with extended hours until 9 pm on Friday. It closes on Mondays, Tuesdays, and major holidays. Shoppers looking for a specific item can call the store at 316-268-4975.

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WAM Senior Wednesdays Pair $2 Mornings With Art and Coffee

WAM Senior Wednesdays Pair $2 Mornings With Art and Coffee

Wichita Art Museum hosts $2 Senior Wednesday mornings with coffee, conversation, and a 10:30 a.m. program for adults 55 and older.

  • Seniors
  • Museum
  • Art
  • Wam
  • Wichita
  • Recurring
  • Morning

Senior Wednesdays return to the Wichita Art Museum on the first Wednesday of each month, offering a relaxed morning of art, conversation, and community for active adults ages 55 and older. Doors open at 10 a.m. with complimentary refreshments, followed by a program at 10:30 a.m., according to the museum's website. It's a Wichita tradition aimed squarely at the 55-and-up crowd and a recurring fixture on the city's cultural calendar.

Senior Wednesdays are an informational and entertaining series run by a collaboration of Wichita museums and cultural institutions. Most weeks feature two sessions, one at 10 a.m. and another at 1:30 p.m., though the schedule can shift from week to week, the museum notes. The First Wednesday Morning session is hosted at WAM, while other Wednesdays rotate among partner venues around the city, so it pays to confirm the location before you head out. The rotating schedule is part of the appeal: each month brings a different host, a different focus, and a different corner of Wichita's cultural scene.

The format is built around what older adults actually want: a short program, time to visit with friends, and a manageable price point. At $2 per person, the WAM session is one of the most affordable cultural outings in Wichita, and the complimentary coffee and morning snacks give the gathering the relaxed feel of a community club meeting rather than a formal museum tour. For newer Wichita residents, it's a chance to learn what's on the local cultural map. For long-timers, it's a low-effort way to revisit favorite spots with company.

Topics rotate by month and partner, ranging from local history to art to music, depending on which Wichita institution is hosting. Some sessions include docent-led gallery walks; others lean toward lectures or musical performances. Either way, the program is designed to be informative without becoming a full-day commitment, and the morning slot keeps it from competing with lunch and afternoon plans. It's also a comfortable way for someone who hasn't set foot in a museum in a while to ease back into the habit.

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Naftzger Park

Naftzger Park

Downtown Wichita's front porch, with a stage and a splash pad.

  • Downtown
  • Dog Friendly
  • Splash Pad
  • Outdoor Dining
  • Events
  • Free

Naftzger Park is a centralized green space anchoring downtown Wichita at the corner of Douglas Avenue and St. Francis. According to the City of Wichita, the park is designed to facilitate the free flow of visitors, residents, and event goers through the heart of downtown, knitting nearby shops, restaurants, and outdoor dining patios into a single walkable destination.

The park is more than a lawn. It features the Evergy Pavilion stage, a large digital screen for viewing events, a water and splash element, plenty of walking and sitting spaces, and a dedicated dog run. Together those amenities turn a few blocks of grass into a flexible community gathering spot that can host a concert one weekend and a quiet lunch break the next.

Naftzger Park is open to the general public during public events, and the grounds are also available for private rentals. Per the City of Wichita, hosted events must wrap up by 10:30 pm, and additional fees may apply for private use. Anyone interested in booking can check the rental information on the city's website or contact the parks office for availability.

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Brownthrush Park playground and fields in west Wichita

Brownthrush Park

A neighborhood ballpark and playground in west Wichita

  • Park
  • Softball
  • Football
  • Playground
  • Wichita Parks
  • West Wichita
  • Free

Brownthrush Park is a 44.62-acre neighborhood park on Wichita's west side, acquired from Unified School District 259 in 1976 and sitting adjacent to the Levy Special Education Center, according to the City of Wichita's facility listing. The park was developed with Land and Water Conservation Funds administered by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and the National Park Service, making it a straightforward neighborhood green space focused on ball and play rather than amenities like pavilions or restrooms.

Families with young kids will find a single playground with a sand safety surface, while athletes get two softball diamonds (with player dugouts and bleachers on the north diamond) and one football field with its own bleachers. None of the fields are lighted, so games and practices need to wrap up before dark. Parking sits nearby both the football field and the softball complex, which makes unloading gear and watching from the stands easier on busy weekends.

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Buffalo Park

Buffalo Park

Splash pad, courts, fields, and shelter, all in one west-side park

  • Wichita
  • Park
  • Splash Pad
  • Playground
  • Tennis
  • Pickleball
  • Softball
  • Baseball
  • Picnic
  • Storywalk
  • Free

Buffalo Park is a neighborhood park in Wichita operated by the city's park system, packed with athletic fields, courts, a splash pad, a children's playground, picnic shelters, and a StoryWalk trail. According to the city's facility listing, the park includes baseball and softball diamonds, two tennis courts, a basketball court, pickleball courts, an open shelter with electrical receptacles, grills, restrooms, parking, and 11 picnic tables spread across the grounds.

A roughly 19-acre portion of the park was deeded to the Board of Park Commissioners in 1972 from the former Westlink Sewage Treatment Plant site, with the rest of the park acquired in 1962, giving the space a layered history that long-time west-side Wichitans will recognize. The splash pad is the obvious summer draw for families with kids (no pets allowed), while the playground's sand safety surface keeps the youngest visitors cushioned during a long afternoon. Older kids and adults can rotate between tennis, basketball, pickleball, and a softball game on the all-grass diamonds, and the StoryWalk adds a low-key reading option for a stroll between activities.

The open shelter measures 37 feet square and comes with lighting, electrical receptacles, three charcoal grills, and a mix of stationary and portable picnic tables, which makes it a workable base for a birthday party or weekend cookout. Admission to the park itself is free, with parking and restrooms on site; ball players should plan around unlit diamonds and bring their own lighting if an evening pickup game runs late.

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Chisholm Creek Park South

Chisholm Creek Park South

A Wichita Wild Habitat Area with 1.6 miles of nature trail along Chisholm Creek.

  • Chisholm Creek
  • Park
  • Nature Trail
  • Bike Path
  • Wild Habitat
  • Northeast Wichita
  • Great Plains Nature Center
  • Wetlands
  • Picnic
  • Free

Chisholm Creek Park South is a semi-regional park in northeast Wichita featuring a 1.6 mile nature trail along Chisholm Creek with a wetlands area. According to the City of Wichita, land for the park was acquired in three phases: 1971/1972, 1986/1987, and 1995. The portion of the park south of the K-96 bypass has been designated a Wichita Wild Habitat Area, developed with support from Land and Water Conservation Funds provided by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and the National Park Service.

The park is a base for outdoor recreation in the area. Visitors can use the bike trail, McAdams Bike Path, and K-96 Bicycle Path, which was extended down Woodlawn and into the Nature Center in 2015. Picnic shelters, tables, grills, restrooms, and parking are available, and fishing is permitted along the creek. The Great Plains Nature Center, a cooperative effort between local, state, and federal governments, sits within the park and offers an educational stop for families and curious visitors of any age.

To protect the natural habitat, the City of Wichita prohibits pets, bicycles, skateboards, motorized vehicles, rollerblades, and deer feeding within the wild habitat area; bikes and leashed dogs must stay on the bicycle path. Admission is free, and visitors are asked to leave no trace to keep the park a good home for Wichita wildlife.

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Cowskin Greenway

Cowskin Greenway

A string of donated green spaces along Cowskin Creek

  • Fishing
  • Nature Trail
  • Cowskin Creek
  • West Wichita
  • Greenway

The Cowskin Greenway is a collection of small parcels along the east and west banks of Cowskin Creek in west Wichita. Per the city, the greenway will eventually connect Swanson and Buffalo Parks. Today it offers a nature trail and a fishing pond, drawing walkers, anglers, and anyone looking for a quiet slice of creek-side land.

The corridor is stitched together from six donated or dedicated parcels acquired between 1989 and 1995, totaling roughly 27 acres. The Bogue Donation (2.75 acres, west of Maize Rd., 1989) and Ogden Dedication (7.70 acres, north of Central and west of Maize Rd., 1994) sit on the west side of Cowskin Creek. The Rolling Hills Exchange (3.90 acres, 1989) and Weigand Donation (2.90 acres, 1991) round out the southern reaches. Anglers will find the Dillon Donation (4.01 acres, southwest corner of Central and Maize Rd., 1991), which hosts a 3-acre fishing pond, and the J.W. Russell Donation (5.80 acres, 1995) anchors another stretch. Each parcel carries the name of the family or company that gave it to the Board of Park Commissioners.

Access is free and the trail is open during typical park daylight hours. The greenway is most easily reached from the Central and Maize Rd. area in west Wichita. Parking and street-side access vary by parcel.

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Dr. Glen Dey Park

Dr. Glen Dey Park

Roughly 126-acre Wichita park with basketball court, football field, McAdams Bike Path, walking track, playground, and the Wichita Wild Habitat Area.

  • Park
  • Bike Path
  • Playground
  • Walking Trail
  • Wildlife Habitat
  • Wichita Parks

Dr. Glen Dey Park spans roughly 126 acres in Wichita and includes a basketball court, bike trail, drinking fountains, football field, the McAdams Bike Path, an open shelter, parking, picnic tables, a playground, restrooms, walking trails, a walking track, and the Wichita Wild Habitat Area. According to the City of Wichita's facility listing, part of the K-96 bicycle path also runs through the park.

The park's initial 19.98 acres were acquired in 1971 with funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under the "Parks-in-Cities" program. An additional 105.87 acres came in 1992 through Community Development Block Grant and Capital Improvement Program funds. The road through the park was extended to Hillside in 2005, and .22 miles of walking path connecting to the bike path were added in 2006. In 2011 the park was renamed for the late Dr. Glen Dey, a former Park Board member and active supporter of the park's development, according to the city listing.

Visitors can shoot hoops, hit the walking track, picnic under the open shelter, or explore the Wichita Wild Habitat Area. The McAdams Bike Path cuts through the property, making it a useful rest stop for cyclists riding the K-96 route.

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Wichita's City Fitness Centers

Wichita's City Fitness Centers

Four city gyms. Low monthly dues. No contract.

  • Fitness
  • Gym
  • City Of Wichita
  • Recreation
  • Low Cost

The City of Wichita operates four public fitness centers spread across the city, giving residents a low-cost way to stay active without a gym membership contract. The network includes Evergreen, Linwood, Lynette Woodard, and Orchard Fitness Centers, each located in a different Wichita neighborhood. Monthly memberships run $10 to $15 per person with $5 discounts for additional household members, and walk-in visits are welcome at most locations.

Per-visit costs stay well below what private gyms in the area typically charge, with individual visits running $2 to $4 depending on the center. Each location is outfitted with cardio machines and free weights, and Linwood Fitness Center offers the most extensive setup with Precor equipment and cardio theater. The Lynette Woodard center sits inside the Atwater Neighborhood Center on Wichita's north side, while Orchard Fitness Center notes that some machines are wheelchair-accessible.

Hours vary by location. Linwood has the longest weekday schedule, open 8 am to 8 pm Monday through Thursday and 8 am to 6 pm Friday, plus Saturday morning hours from 10 am to noon. Evergreen runs 9 am to 7 pm weekdays. Orchard mirrors Linwood's weekday hours. Lynette Woodard is open 3 to 5 pm weekdays. Teens ages 14 to 15 must be accompanied by a paying adult at all locations, according to the city website. Addresses are 2700 N Woodland (Evergreen), 1901 S Kansas (Linwood), 2755 E 19th Street N (Lynette Woodard), and 4808 W 9th Street N (Orchard).

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Keepers on Parade, a Wichita public art trail

Keepers on Parade, a Wichita public art trail

Wichita pride, painted 10 feet tall, scattered across the city.

  • Public Art
  • Keeper Of The Plains
  • Art Trail
  • Outdoor
  • Free
  • Family
  • Wichita

Keepers on Parade is a public art trail that has placed more than 90 hand-painted, 10-foot fiberglass replicas of Wichita's iconic Keeper of the Plains in spots across the city. The project began in 2015 under Together Wichita and has been run by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce since 2022 as part of its quality-of-place work. Each statue is painted by a local artist and approved by the Blackbear Bosin Family Foundation, which holds the rights to the original sculpture by Kiowa artist Blackbear Bosin at the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas Rivers.

Every Keeper is different. Local artists are matched with sponsoring companies, organizations, or patrons to develop a theme and design, and the Chamber provides a $1,500 stipend to help cover supplies. Statues must be painted indoors, then sealed and installed outdoors with a plaque crediting the artist. The result is a city-wide scavenger hunt that works on foot, by bike, or by car, and pairs well with the interactive map hosted on the Chamber's website.

The trail is free to explore year-round, and new Keepers continue to be added as sponsors and artists come forward. For anyone interested in commissioning a piece or applying to paint one, the Chamber page lists current opportunities and contact information for Scott Elpers, Vice President of Marketing and Communications.

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Orpheum Theatre

Orpheum Theatre

A historic downtown stage for live music, comedy, and film

  • Theatre
  • Downtown
  • Wichita
  • Live Events
  • Concert Venue
  • Movie Theatre

The Orpheum Theatre sits at the corner of 1st and Broadway in downtown Wichita, hosting a packed calendar of concerts, comedy shows, film screenings, and touring productions. The venue offers three seating tiers (orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony) plus accessible orchestra seats that guests can request when buying tickets. Doors typically open 30 to 60 minutes before showtime, with times varying by event, according to the venue's visitor page.

A full-service bar opens at most shows, and the lobby runs cashless concessions with popcorn, candy, and Pepsi products. On movie nights, pizza is available by the slice. All bags are searched at the door, and backpacks or bags larger than 14 by 14 by 6 inches are not allowed. Smaller bags and baby bags are permitted, and outside food and beverage are not allowed inside; guests will be asked to dispose of unauthorized items or return them to their vehicles.

Reserved parking is available directly north of the building starting at $12, with spots bookable online. Tickets can be purchased through wichitaorpheum.com, by phone at 316-263-0884, or in person at the INTRUST Bank Arena Box Office. Day-of tickets are also sold at the theatre's own box office. Most events allow non-professional, non-flash photography; professional cameras, recording devices, and detachable lenses are not permitted.

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Kansas Aviation Museum

Kansas Aviation Museum

Wichita's hangar for the story of Kansas aviation

  • Aviation
  • Museum
  • Wichita
  • Mcconnell
  • Hall Of Fame
  • Steam
  • Family
  • Restoration

The Kansas Aviation Museum sits at the intersection of South George Washington Boulevard and 31st Street South, adjacent to McConnell Air Force Base, where it preserves the story of flight in a state that helped put America in the air. The museum showcases aircraft ranging from the earliest production planes to a much-revered Beechcraft Bonanza, all brought back to display condition by a crew of dedicated volunteers who donate countless hours to each restoration.

Inside, visitors find the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame, which honors Kansans whose contributions to aviation carried statewide or national weight. The archives room goes deeper, holding original documents, photographs, negatives, drawings, periodicals, and blueprints that document aviation history well beyond the state's borders, according to the museum. The education team has also compiled a library of STEAM resources families can access from home, with 'How To' videos from the Director of Education still to come.

The museum is open every day except Thursday. It sits adjacent to McConnell Air Force Base, making it a natural stop for families watching base-area activity or for travelers curious about Wichita's role in general aviation. Specific admission prices and daily open hours are not listed on this page; check the museum's main site before you go.

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Midnight at the Museum Camp-Ins

Midnight at the Museum Camp-Ins

  • Museum
  • Overnight
  • Youth Groups
  • Scouts
  • Family
  • Camp

Midnight at the Museum Camp-Ins turn the Museum of World Treasures into an overnight playground for youth groups, scout troops, and other organized parties, according to the museum's program page. Each camp-in includes a guided museum tour, a craft or activity, snacks, and a late-night movie, with campers unrolling their sleeping bags beneath the dinosaur gallery at the end of the night. Programming is customized to each group, so Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops can pursue loop or badge workshops while school and church groups lean into tours or team-building challenges.

The experience is built for groups of 35 to 100 people, with one adult chaperone recommended for every five children. Pricing is $32 per person for both youth and chaperones, and separate youth groups are welcome to combine rosters to hit the 35-person minimum. Campers need to bring a sleeping bag, pillow, change of clothes, toiletries, and, as the museum puts it, a sense of adventure. Designated shopping times in the gift shop give groups a chance to grab snacks and souvenirs.

Camp-ins are by reservation only. To book a date or ask about programming options, email a museum educator or call 316.263.1311. The museum notes that helpful hints for happy campers are available on request, and staff are eager to tailor the night to the group.

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INTRUST Bank Arena

INTRUST Bank Arena

Downtown Wichita's home for big concerts, big games, and family nights.

  • Arena
  • Concerts
  • Sports
  • Downtown
  • Wichita Thunder
  • Wichita Force
  • Family Shows

INTRUST Bank Arena is a state-of-the-art, 15,000-plus seat venue in the heart of downtown Wichita, managed by ASM Global. Opened in January 2010, the arena replaced the old Kansas Coliseum, which closed in 2007, and has since drawn national tours and major championships to the city, according to the Visit Wichita listing. In its first three months, it picked up Best Arena and Best Locker Rooms honors from the CHL's annual Best of the Best poll.

The arena's calendar runs the full range. Touring heavyweights like Metallica, Garth Brooks, Paul McCartney, P!nk, Carrie Underwood, and Fleetwood Mac have all played here; Metallica set the single-concert attendance record with a sold-out crowd of 15,690 on March 4, 2019. Comedy (Jim Gaffigan, Jeff Dunham), family shows (Paw Patrol Live, Sesame Street Live, Disney on Ice), motorsports (Monster Jam, PBR), and touring productions like Cirque du Soleil and Trans-Siberian Orchestra also stop here. Local teams call it home, including the Wichita Thunder hockey team, the Wichita Force indoor football squad, and Wichita State basketball when the university needs to draw extra fans.

Twenty-two suites, 40 loge boxes, and more than 300 premium seats make up the upscale options, with access to the Fusion Fifty-Four private bar and the Cox Lounge. Eighteen restaurants and bars span two concourse levels, including a craft beer bar with 14 on-tap selections plus arena-smoked beef and pork. The building is accessibility-compliant, with ADA seating on both concourses, assistive listening devices through Guest Services, and rideshare drop-off on Waterman or St. Francis. More than 4,000 public and private parking spaces sit within walking distance. Tickets are sold through Select-A-Seat, by phone, or at the box office.

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Sky Zone Wichita indoor trampoline park with wall-to-wall trampolines and active play attractions.

Sky Zone Wichita

Wichita's newest trampoline park, packed with attractions for every age.

  • Indoor
  • Family
  • Active
  • Trampoline
  • Kids
  • Birthday Parties
  • Wichita

Sky Zone Wichita is the city's newest premier indoor active entertainment destination, according to a Wichita Mom guide to indoor family activities. The park combines wall-to-wall trampolines with a long list of attractions, making it a one-stop spot for burning energy on a rainy day, hosting a birthday, or just spending a few hours off the couch. The guide describes the environment as safe, clean, and energetic, with the stated mission of inspiring active play and bringing people together through shared experiences.

The attraction lineup covers most of what you'd want from an indoor active venue: a ninja warrior course, dodgeball, an air court, a zip line, slides, a swing and trapeze, king of the hill, boulder balls, sky slam, a drop zone, an arcade, and a dedicated play area for younger children. According to the Wichita Mom write-up, the space works equally well for a casual family outing, a playdate, a birthday party, or a larger group event, and the variety of activities means most ages can find something they like without splitting up.

Sky Zone runs special Little Leapers hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 11 am, designed for the youngest jumpers. The source article does not list a street address, general operating hours, or admission pricing, so families should check Sky Zone's own website or Facebook page for the latest open-play schedule, party packages, and admission details before heading out.

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B-29 Doc Hangar, Education and Visitors Center

B-29 Doc Hangar, Education and Visitors Center

Wichita's Air Capital heritage, one hangar at a time

  • Museum
  • Aviation
  • Family
  • History
  • Wwii
  • B 29

The B-29 Doc Hangar, Education and Visitors Center sits at Eisenhower National Airport in west Wichita, offering visitors an interactive look at one of the most storied aircraft in American aviation history. The 42,000 square foot facility is built around "Doc," one of only a handful of restored Boeing B-29 Superfortresses still in flying condition in the world.

Wichita bills itself as the Air Capital of the World, and this hangar is one of the most direct ways to experience that legacy. According to the Wichita Mom guide to local museums, the center caters to aviation enthusiasts of all ages, with hands-on displays that explain the B-29's role in World War II. The museum is best suited for visitors ages 5 and up, though younger plane obsessives will also find plenty to enjoy.

Admission runs $10 per person or $20 per family, and the center is located at 1788 S Airport Road on the south side of the airport. Visitors should check the B-29 Doc website for current operating hours before heading out, as aviation museums often adjust schedules based on weather and aircraft maintenance needs.

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Kanopolis State Park

Kanopolis State Park

Twelve thousand acres of Smoky Hills adventure, 90 minutes north of Wichita

  • State Park
  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Swimming
  • Horseback Riding
  • Smoky Hills
  • Family Friendly
  • Boating
  • Mountain Biking

Kanopolis State Park sits about 90 minutes north of Wichita in the Smoky Hills, covering more than 12,500 acres of sandstone canyons, prairie trails, and reservoir shoreline. The park has become a go-to weekend escape for Wichita families looking to trade pavement for red rock and lake views without a full day's drive.

More than 27 miles of marked trails wind through the park, ranging from easy loops to rugged routes through Horsethief Canyon, where kids can poke around sandstone bluffs, red rock formations, and pioneer-era caves. The trail network is just the start. The park also has a swim beach at Langley Point, Kanopolis Tower Marina for boating and water sports on the reservoir, and Rockin' K for horseback riding, so a single trip can stack a hike, a swim, and a sunset ride without leaving the property.

Camping is a major draw, with 450 sites spread across 14 campgrounds, from primitive tent spots to full-hookup RV pads and deluxe cabins. According to Wichita Mom, sites run $10 to $120 a night and can be reserved through Reserve America. While you're in the area, the small but photogenic Mushroom Rock State Park makes an easy side trip and adds a second state park visit to the weekend.

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Chaplin Nature Center

Chaplin Nature Center

  • Cowley County
  • Arkansas City
  • Hiking
  • Audubon
  • Family
  • Day Trip
  • Nature
  • Wildlife

Chaplin Nature Center, managed by the Wichita Audubon Society, sits just outside Arkansas City and is the anchor stop on a popular Cowley County day trip from Wichita. The property covers more than five miles of walking trails winding through long stretches of woodland tree canopy, wetlands, prairie, and over a quarter mile of Arkansas River sandbar, giving visitors a sampler of nearly every ecosystem Kansas has to offer, according to the Wichita Mom guide.

It is the kind of place where families can spot plenty of wildlife without committing to a long drive west, and the visitor center is worth a stop on its own with interactive displays, helpful information, and clean bathrooms. Locals treat it as a half-day outing, packing a picnic to enjoy on the grounds before moving on, or swinging through Arkansas City for lunch to fuel the next hike.

Trails are open daily, with the Wichita Mom guide listing hours as 'sunset to sunrise,' which appears to be a typo and almost certainly means sunrise to sunset. No dogs or bikes are allowed on the trails, so plan around that if you are traveling with a four-legged friend.

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Heritage Square

Heritage Square

A downtown pocket park with a century of Wichita history

  • Wichita
  • Downtown
  • Museum
  • History
  • Pocket Park
  • Junior League
  • Outdoor

Heritage Square is the outdoor campus next to the Wichita Sedgwick County Historical Museum, a downtown pocket park where visitors can stretch their legs between gallery stops. The square sits on a piece of Wichita history: it was the site of the Central Fire Station, built in 1908 and later converted into the Central Police Station before being razed in 1975. The lot was then transformed into Heritage Square, a gift to the City of Wichita from the Junior League of Wichita in celebration of the league's semicentennial. The square was rededicated with improvements in 2016, and today serves as a public gathering spot with outdoor exhibits that pair with the museum's indoor collection.

According to the museum, Heritage Square is meant to be a place for refreshment, gatherings, relaxation, and taking photos. Landscaping is kept in the spirit of the original low-maintenance, zero-scape concept, and programming or private events can be arranged through the museum's administrative office. Volunteers can also get involved through the museum's volunteer program, making the square an active community space, not just a static plaza.

Heritage Square is open Tuesday through Sunday during the museum's regular hours, and access is through the museum with admission. Special-use rentals and event inquiries go through the Museum Office. For visitors, plan to pair a square stroll with a museum visit, or stop by during one of the museum's outdoor programs.

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Wichita Sedgwick County Historical Museum

Wichita Sedgwick County Historical Museum

Four floors of Wichita's story, from the buffalo-hunting days to the Air Capital.

  • History
  • Museum
  • Aviation
  • Downtown
  • Family Friendly

The Wichita Sedgwick County Historical Museum spreads four floors of local history across downtown Wichita, with feature exhibits that walk visitors from the city's earliest days through its rise as the Air Capital of the World. According to the Museum's exhibits page, the collections cover settlement, the cattle trade, the dust storms of the 1930s, World War I, the launch of the USS Wichita, and the growth of the aviation and oil industries.

Standout exhibits include 'The Spirit of Wichita' on the 4th floor, which highlights aviation pioneers such as Clyde Cessna, Walter Beech, and Lloyd Stearman, along with the only surviving Jones Six automobile on public display, a recreated 1916 model built by Wichitan John Jones. The 3rd floor holds 'Wichita - The Magic City,' a chronological trip through the city's first 50 years, plus a recreation of a late-19th-century Victorian cottage with seven rooms of period detail. Younger visitors tend to gravitate to 'A Child's World' on the 2nd floor with vintage toys, the recreated early-20th-century drug store and fountain, and 'Windows on Collections,' a frequently changing exhibit drawn from the museum's growing holdings.

New visitors should start at 'The Cortney and Marcellette Davis Welcome Gallery' on the 1st floor, which introduces the museum's mission to preserve, collect, and interpret local history. The auditorium houses 'Affordable Elegance,' a nationally recognized collection of Victorian silver plate service ware, and 'The Hall Collection of Cut & Engraved Glass' draws visitors interested in decorative arts. Practical details such as hours, admission, and parking are not listed on this exhibits page; check the museum's main site before visiting.

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WAM Nights Bring Dinner and Cocktails to the Wichita Art Museum

WAM Nights Bring Dinner and Cocktails to the Wichita Art Museum

Dinner, drinks, and art, every Friday at WAM

  • Wichita Art Museum
  • Wam Nights
  • Friday
  • Eat
  • Blue Moon Caterers
  • Date Night
  • Cocktails

WAM Nights brings a dinner-and-drinks experience to the Wichita Art Museum on Friday evenings. The museum's EAT café, now operated in partnership with Blue Moon Caterers, offers a relaxed way to extend a museum visit into the night without rushing off to find dinner elsewhere. The program gives Friday a new anchor on Wichita's cultural calendar.

The Friday menu includes fresh salads, sandwiches, flatbreads, desserts, coffee, and signature cocktails, according to the Wichita Art Museum website. The pitch is a low-effort pairing of art and a casual meal, whether visitors are catching up with friends, taking a date, or simply giving Friday a slower, more cultural feel. Signature drinks and desserts give the café a sit-down vibe rather than a quick grab-and-go stop, and the artwork on the surrounding walls makes dinner feel like more than just a meal.

The Wichita Art Museum sits on Museum Boulevard just west of the Arkansas River, with its permanent collection already a free, family-friendly draw during regular daytime hours. Adding a Friday night food service gives locals and out-of-town visitors a fresh reason to revisit the museum after work, and it turns what used to be a daytime stop into an actual evening plan. For Wichitans who already treat Friday as a night out, having food on-site at the museum removes one more errand from the evening and offers an option that does not require reservations weeks in advance. It also gives the museum a way to compete with the city's bar and restaurant scene without losing its identity as a calm, art-focused space.

WAM Nights take place at the Wichita Art Museum on Museum Boulevard in Wichita. The museum is typically open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm, with Friday hours extended for the EAT café during WAM Nights. Admission to the museum's permanent collection is free; special exhibitions may carry a separate fee. Parking is available on-site. For the latest Friday schedule, current café menu, and signature drink offerings, check the WAM website before heading out.

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Wichita Art Museum

Wichita Art Museum

Free art for every Wichitan

  • Art
  • Museum
  • Free
  • Youth Education
  • Family
  • Library Passes

The Wichita Art Museum offers free general admission to all visitors and runs ArtStart, a youth education program designed to introduce children to the museum's collections. According to the museum's website, ArtStart sits within WAM's broader learning mission for young people across the Wichita area.

More than 40 public libraries across the metro and statewide loan free passes to WAM's temporary exhibitions, a program sponsored by Colby Sandlian of Sandlian Realty. The museum also hosts free Saturday featured events, opening its doors to families and casual visitors who want regular art experiences without a ticket price. Youth education programs at WAM receive additional support from the Lynne Ruffin-Smith Charitable Foundation, while exhibitions and public programs are backed by the Downing Foundation and the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission.

General admission is free for everyone. Specific hours, the street address, and directions were not listed on this program page, so visitors should check the museum's main website for the latest visitor information before heading over.

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Wichita Art Museum

Wichita Art Museum

Wichita's free art museum for families

  • Art
  • Museum
  • Family
  • Free
  • Kids
  • Library Pass
  • Education

The Wichita Art Museum (WAM) is Wichita's premier art museum, offering free general admission to every visitor, according to the museum's website. Family ArtVenture is WAM's signature program for youth and families, bringing kids and caregivers together through hands-on art experiences. The museum's youth and family programming is supported by Bank of America and the Art Bridges Foundation's Access for All program.

One standout perk for local families is the Library Pass program. Through the sponsorship of Colby Sandlian of Sandlian Realty, more than 40 public libraries across the Wichita metro and across Kansas offer free passes that grant access to all temporary exhibitions at WAM. Visitors check out a pass at their library, then bring it to the museum. Free Saturday Featured Events round out the family-friendly calendar, offering regular programming for a range of ages.

Education programs at WAM also receive support from the Lynne Ruffin-Smith Charitable Foundation, and exhibitions and public programs are backed by the Downing Foundation. The Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, which receives funding from the Kansas Department of Commerce and the National Endowment for the Arts, also supports WAM's education work, helping keep programming accessible to Kansas families.

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Wichita Art Museum

Wichita Art Museum

A free-admission Wichita art museum with kids programs, free Saturday events, and library-pass access to temporary exhibitions.

  • Museum
  • Free
  • Family
  • Kids
  • Art
  • Library Passes

The Wichita Art Museum keeps general admission free for every visitor, according to the museum's website. Its youth and family programs are designed to give local kids regular access to original works of art, with programming supported through a partnership with the Art Bridges Foundation's Access for All program.

For families, the museum runs Free Saturday Featured Events, sponsored by Colby Sandlian of Sandlian Realty, and a youth education program backed in part by the Lynne Ruffin-Smith Charitable Foundation. Exhibitions and public programs also receive support from the Downing Foundation, and education offerings are funded in part by the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, which receives support from the Kansas Department of Commerce and the National Endowment for the Arts.

One perk for families across the region: more than 40 public libraries in the metro area and across Kansas lend out free passes to WAM's temporary exhibitions, thanks to support from Colby Sandlian and Sandlian Realty. Parents can stop by their local branch to check out a pass and see a special show without paying for admission.

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Wichita Art Museum

Wichita Art Museum

  • Art Museum
  • American Art
  • Free Admission
  • Wichita
  • Exhibitions
  • Family Friendly

The Wichita Art Museum is marking 90 years with 'Past Present: Celebrating New Acquisitions and Collection Highlights,' a major reinstall featuring more than 20 artworks that have never before been on view, according to the museum's website. The exhibition pairs these brand-new pieces with long-beloved favorites collected over nine decades, putting American art's full range on display in a single sweep.

The roster is a who's who of American art: Edward Hopper, Robert Henri, Kehinde Wiley, Nick Cave, Elizabeth Catlett, Fritz Scholder, Winfred Rembert, and Purvis Young are just a few of the names on the wall. Visitors can also discover recent acquisitions from contemporary artists such as Tanya Aguiñiga, Rashid Johnson, Beth Lipman, Aliza Nisenbaum, Stephen Towns, and Uman, alongside Kansas-connected talents including Norman Akers, Mary Ethel Young Hunter, and Robert Peterson. The mix of paintings, sculpture, and textiles makes for a varied walk, and admission is free.

Plan a half-day visit. The museum runs on its regular weekly schedule; check wam.org for current hours, parking notes, and any special programming before you head out.

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PLAY Interactive Maker's Space at Wichita Art Museum

PLAY Interactive Maker's Space at Wichita Art Museum

Free hands-on art making for all ages, inside WAM

  • Wichita Art Museum
  • Wam
  • Maker Space
  • Hands On
  • Family
  • Kids
  • Free
  • Indoor

PLAY is the Wichita Art Museum's hands-on interactive maker's space, a dedicated area inside the museum where visitors can explore, create, and make memories through art. According to WAM, the space is built around exploration, creativity, and the making of wonderful memories, giving families a tactile complement to the museum's galleries and rotating exhibitions.

The space has earned a loyal following among local families. One parent quoted on WAM's website said, 'I love how they make each activity so interesting. PLAY is like our second home now. It's where we laugh, play, and let our imaginations go wild.' That kind of repeat-visit energy signals a real destination for parents looking for free indoor things to do with kids in Wichita, especially on a hot summer afternoon or a cold winter morning.

PLAY is located inside the Wichita Art Museum. Admission to PLAY is free with museum entry, and WAM's general admission is also free. Visitors should confirm current hours and any special programming on WAM's website before heading over.

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Fossil Gallery dinosaurs on display at the Museum of World Treasures

Museum of World Treasures Fossil Gallery

Walk among dinosaurs, then keep going through 4,000 years of human history

  • Dinosaurs
  • Fossils
  • Museum
  • Family
  • T Rex
  • Wichita
  • Indoor

The Fossil Gallery at the Museum of World Treasures in Wichita is built around a cast of larger than life dinosaurs and the science used to put them on display. Visitors walk past towering skeletons while learning how paleontologists excavate, prepare, and mount ancient bones. The gallery's named personalities include Ed the Edmontosaurus, Cutie the Daspletosaurus, and Ivan the Tyrannosaurus rex, the kind of approachable framing that keeps younger visitors leaning in rather than pulling on a parent's hand.

The Fossil Gallery is one wing of a much broader museum that, according to the Museum of World Treasures website, also houses Egyptian mummies, World War artifacts, and shrunken heads, a wide ranging collection designed to give families a few hours of nonstop looking. Highlight tours of the gallery run throughout the day and give guests a guided read on the most popular specimens. The space works for solo adults, school age kids, and multi generational groups who want to mix education with spectacle.

Plan to spend at least a half day on site, longer if you intend to work through the rest of the museum's collection. Admission, hours, and parking details should be confirmed on the museum's main visitor page before you go, since this page covers the Fossil Gallery only.

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Museum of World Treasures

Museum of World Treasures

Dinosaurs, mummies, and a Kansas sea monster, all under one roof

  • Museum
  • Wichita
  • Dinosaurs
  • Fossils
  • Family
  • History

The Museum of World Treasures is a Wichita institution built around the idea of taking visitors on a trip through time. Its galleries span natural history and human history alike, with a collection that, according to the museum's website, includes dinosaurs, Egyptian mummies, World War artifacts, and shrunken heads. Visitors can spend a few hours or an entire day exploring, per the museum. One of its signature displays is Sea Creatures of the Plains, which traces the era when the Great Plains sat under a vast prehistoric ocean.

The Sea Creatures of the Plains exhibit is the marquee draw highlighted on the museum's exhibits page. It features the fossilized remains of sea creatures pulled from the Great Plains, including Logan the Tylosaur, whose remains were found in Logan County, Kansas. Tylosaur fossils are so common in the area that they are one of the official Kansas state fossils. Also on display is an Xiphactinus, a vicious-looking fish whose skeleton, the museum notes, looks ready to devour prey in a single gulp. Beyond the fossils, the broader museum mixes the quirky and the canonical: ancient Egyptian antiquities and 20th-century military history sit alongside dinosaurs in the same building.

The museum is positioned as a family-friendly stop, suitable for curious kids and adults alike. Specific street address, hours, and admission prices are not listed on the source page, so check the museum's main website before planning a visit.

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Museum of World Treasures

Museum of World Treasures

A trip through time, from crystals to mummies

  • Museum
  • History
  • Rocks
  • Minerals
  • Crystals
  • Dinosaurs
  • Old Town
  • Family

The Museum of World Treasures is a multi-floor history museum in Old Town Wichita that mixes natural history with human artifacts across the ages. The Rocks and Minerals exhibit anchors the natural side, according to the museum's website, with a nearly three-foot-long amethyst geode, a hefty chunk of pyrite (fool's gold), and a polished freeform malachite specimen on display.

Beyond the geology, the museum's collection ranges from dinosaurs and Egyptian mummies to World War artifacts and shrunken heads, making it a rare one-stop shop for curiosity seekers. Families with kids gravitate toward the dinosaurs, adults toward the mummies and wartime relics, and teens toward the shrunken heads and crystals. The exhibit tone changes every room, so no one in the group tunes out.

The museum invites visitors to spend anywhere from a few hours to a full day, with enough variety to justify either. The building sits in Old Town, walkable to other downtown stops, which makes it easy to pair with a meal or a stroll along the Arkansas River after the visit.

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Museum of World Treasures

Museum of World Treasures

  • Museum
  • Civil War
  • History
  • Wichita
  • Family Friendly

The Civil War exhibit at the Museum of World Treasures walks visitors through the complicated history of America's defining conflict using weapons, uniforms, and personal keepsakes. According to the museum, the display traces the evolution of weapon technology, beginning with muskets and swords and ending with the Henry Repeating Rifle. Beyond the firearms, the gallery covers the lives of military musicians, the everyday pocket contents of an average soldier, and the mourning fashion observed by families back home.

The Civil War room is one corner of a museum that spans thousands of years of human history. The same building houses dinosaur fossils, Egyptian mummies, World War artifacts, and shrunken heads, according to the museum's own description. That breadth is the main draw for locals: families can move from a dinosaur skeleton to Civil War rifles to ancient Egyptian artifacts in a single visit, which makes the museum a useful stop for mixed-age groups and curious kids.

The museum encourages visitors to plan ahead, whether they have a few hours or an entire day to spare. The Civil War exhibit is part of a larger collection the museum says features rare artifacts from each major era. Visitors looking for current hours, admission prices, and directions should check the museum's website before they go.

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Museum of World Treasures

Museum of World Treasures

Dinosaurs, mummies, and a walk through the trenches

  • Wichita
  • Museum
  • World War 1
  • History
  • Family
  • Dinosaurs

The Museum of World Treasures packs a global sweep of history into one Wichita building, and its World War I exhibit is the most hands-on stop on the route. According to the museum's exhibit page, visitors step (literally) into a life-sized reproduction trench, complete with creaking wood underfoot and echoing high walls. Artifacts span every side of the Great War, including a horse's gas mask, knuckle knives, first aid kits, uniforms, and a range of period weapons.

The WWI gallery is one piece of a much broader collection the museum describes as 'amazing rarities from each era.' That same building also holds dinosaurs, Egyptian mummies, and shrunken heads, which is why the museum encourages visitors to plan for either a half-day or a full-day visit. For families with school-age kids and curious adults, the trench walk turns a textbook era into something you can feel under your boots.

The museum welcomes both quick visits and full-day trips, and the WWI exhibit is included with general admission. Check the main site for current hours and ticket prices before heading over.

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Museum of World Treasures

Museum of World Treasures

Wichita's time machine, from dinosaurs to Pearl Harbor.

  • Wwii
  • History
  • Museum
  • Wichita
  • Family

The Museum of World Treasures in Wichita houses one of its largest collections inside the World War II exhibit, where visitors walk through an expansive timeline that captures the chaos and upheaval of the 1940s. According to the museum, the display includes uniforms from soldiers on every side of the conflict, artillery and propaganda from both the Allied and Axis powers, and a life-sized Ready Room built for an immersive look at military life. A centerpiece is a detailed model of the USS Arizona paired with a Pearl Harbor National Memorial display.

The exhibit goes beyond hardware to share stories from local heroes who served, giving Wichitans a personal connection to a global conflict. It is a chance to see rare period pieces in a single walk-through rather than across a dozen separate museums. Beyond WWII, the same building holds Egyptian mummies, dinosaur fossils, and shrunken heads, so a visit easily stretches into a full day of moving from one era to the next.

The museum invites guests to spend a few hours or an entire day on site. Contact the museum directly for current admission prices, daily hours, and directions before you go.

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Museum of World Treasures

Museum of World Treasures

A trip through time under one roof

  • Museum
  • Wichita
  • History
  • Korean War
  • Dinosaurs
  • Egyptian Mummies
  • World War

The Museum of World Treasures in Wichita is currently featuring 'Forgotten Heroes: Conflict in Korea, 1950-1953,' an exhibit that explores why the Korean Conflict faded from collective memory. Visitors can learn about significant battles, hear the story of a local legend connected to the conflict, and unwind with 1950s magazines and music from the era, according to the museum's exhibit page.

The museum is a trip through time in its own right. Alongside the Korean War exhibit, the Museum of World Treasures houses dinosaur fossils, Egyptian mummies, World War artifacts, and shrunken heads, the museum says. Whether you have a few hours or an entire day, the collection features rarities from each era, from ancient civilizations to 20th-century conflicts.

The museum invites visitors to plan their visit through its website at worldtreasures.org. While the Korean War exhibit page does not list specific hours or admission, the Museum of World Treasures is a longstanding Wichita attraction known for its eclectic, cross-era collection.

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Museum of World Treasures

Museum of World Treasures

  • Museum
  • History
  • American History
  • Founding Fathers
  • Family
  • Educational
  • Wichita

The Museum of World Treasures in Wichita invites visitors to step back more than 300 years with its Founding of America exhibit, a walk-through of the struggles and triumphs of early English colonists in what would become the United States, according to the museum's exhibit page. Guests can read the Founding Fathers in their own handwriting through primary documents, view uniforms from both sides of the Revolutionary War, and try a quill signature on a replica of the Declaration of Independence.

The Founding of America gallery is part of a much broader collection that the museum says spans dinosaurs and Egyptian mummies to World War artifacts and shrunken heads, making it a natural stop for families and school groups looking for variety in a single visit. The mix of rare objects and interactive elements, like the signature practice station, gives the exhibit appeal for younger kids and adult history buffs alike.

The museum is open during regular daytime hours throughout the week, with weekday and weekend sessions that fit school field trips or weekend outings. Admission details and current pricing should be confirmed on the museum's website before visiting.

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Hall of Presidents at the Museum of World Treasures

Hall of Presidents at the Museum of World Treasures

Presidential history alongside dinosaurs and shrunken heads

  • Museum
  • Presidents
  • History
  • Wichita
  • Exhibit
  • Family

The Hall of Presidents at the Museum of World Treasures takes visitors on a walk through American history, with copies of documents from every president from George Washington through Donald Trump on display. The originals live in the museum's archive area, but the exhibit pairs them with fun facts and a replica of the presidential Resolute Desk.

The Hall is part of a broader collection the museum says features 'amazing rarities from each era,' from dinosaurs and Egyptian mummies to World War artifacts and shrunken heads. That mix is the draw for Wichita families and curious adults who want a museum visit that doesn't read like a textbook.

The exhibit is included with regular museum admission, and visitors are encouraged to spend anywhere from a few hours to a full day on site. Specific hours, ticket prices, and parking details were not listed on this page and should be confirmed on the museum's main site before visiting.

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Museum of World Treasures

Museum of World Treasures

Four billion years of history, one building.

  • Museum
  • Wichita
  • Ancient History
  • Mesopotamia
  • Dinosaurs
  • Mummies
  • Family Friendly

The Museum of World Treasures is a sprawling, eclectic institution that gathers artifacts from across roughly four billion years of history under one roof. According to the museum's own site, visitors can plan anything from a quick hour-long stop to a full day of exploration, with galleries covering dinosaurs, ancient Egypt, the ancient Near East, and 20th-century conflicts.

The Mesopotamia and Ancient Near East gallery is a particular draw. It features cylinder seals, which are the rolling stamps the Mesopotamians pressed into clay as one of humanity's earliest forms of writing, along with religious ceramics, weapons, and coins from civilizations that predate most of recorded history. Elsewhere in the museum, visitors encounter Egyptian mummies, dinosaur fossils, World War artifacts, and shrunken heads, a roster of rarities that has earned the museum a reputation for being wonderfully odd.

The museum sits in downtown Wichita and is geared toward families, school groups, and curious adults who want a single venue to take in a wide sweep of human and natural history. Because hours and admission change seasonally, check the museum's main visitor page before you go.

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Ancient Greece Exhibit at the Museum of World Treasures

Ancient Greece Exhibit at the Museum of World Treasures

  • Museum
  • History
  • Ancient Greece
  • Exhibit
  • Wichita

The Ancient Greece exhibit at Wichita's Museum of World Treasures displays a variety of artifacts that showcase ancient Greek craftsmanship. Visitors can behold objects that educate them about Greek art and warfare of the times, as well as depictions of Greek gods and goddesses in various scenes from mythology.

Highlights of the exhibit include Minoan vessels, Apulian pottery, and sculptures of historical and mythological ancient Greek figures such as Alexander the Great and Goddess Athena. The exhibit sits inside a larger museum collection that, according to the museum's own description, also features dinosaurs, Egyptian mummies, World War artifacts, and shrunken heads, so a stop here can easily fill a few hours or an entire day.

The exhibit is included with general museum admission. Visitors are encouraged to plan a trip through time, exploring the breadth of the museum's collection alongside this focused look at classical antiquity.

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Museum of World Treasures

Museum of World Treasures

  • Museum
  • Wichita
  • History
  • Ancient Rome
  • Family

The Museum of World Treasures in downtown Wichita is a multi-floor walk through human history, from prehistoric creatures to modern warfare. Visitors can browse a sprawling collection that includes dinosaur fossils, Egyptian mummies, World War artifacts, and shrunken heads, according to the museum's website. The current Ancient Rome exhibit showcases Roman coins spanning nearly every emperor, a marble statue of a Roman senator, and jewelry pieces from the era, opening with a quote from Caesar Augustus on the transformation of the city.

It is the kind of place where a single afternoon can carry visitors from the age of dinosaurs to imperial Rome to the twentieth century wars without ever leaving the building. The mix of rare and quirky keeps things interesting for repeat visitors as well as first-timers, and the rotating exhibits layer new reasons to return on top of the permanent collection. For Wichita families looking for a single destination with broad appeal, the museum packs in enough variety to hold attention across age groups.

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Museum of World Treasures

Museum of World Treasures

A trip through time, from dinosaurs to shrunken heads, all under one roof.

  • Museum
  • Wichita
  • History
  • Exhibits
  • Prehispanic
  • Colombia
  • Artifacts
  • Family

The Museum of World Treasures in Wichita invites visitors to journey through history, from prehistoric dinosaurs and ancient civilizations to modern conflicts. According to the museum's website, the collection spans multiple eras and includes rare artifacts such as Egyptian mummies, World War memorabilia, and unique items drawn from cultures around the globe.

One current highlight is Treasures from the Grave: Pre-Hispanic Art and Ritual, an exhibit exploring the art and burial practices of civilizations that thrived in the Americas long before 1492. Visitors can view a shrunken head alongside religious sculptures and sparkling golden jewelry from the Tairona, Sinu, Quimbaya, and Calima cultures of Colombia. The museum notes that most grave goods on display came from elite tombs and were crafted from exotic materials, chosen because they took the most time to create.

The museum welcomes visitors whether they have a few hours or an entire day to spare. Its wide range of rarities makes it a destination for families, school groups, and curious adults looking for something off the beaten path in Wichita.

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Museum of World Treasures

Museum of World Treasures

  • Museum
  • History
  • Downtown
  • Family
  • Dinosaurs
  • Rotating Exhibits
  • World War

The Museum of World Treasures in downtown Wichita packs a wide sweep of human history into one building. Visitors move from dinosaur fossils to Egyptian mummies, then on to Civil War and World War artifacts, with displays of cultural curiosities like shrunken heads threaded between. According to the museum's website, less than 20% of its collection is on exhibit at any moment, which is the point of the rotating Small Stories Cases on the first and second floors: a way to surface pieces that don't fit the main narrative.

The first floor case sits next to the central staircase; the second sits adjacent to the WWI and WWII exhibits. Both rotate, so a return visit often reveals something new. It's the kind of place where you walk in expecting a quick lap and emerge two hours later, still reading. Whether you are entertaining out-of-town family, looking for an indoor stop on a cold day, or chasing a kid's dinosaur obsession, the museum bends easily to the day.

Per the museum, a visit can fill a few hours or an entire day. Plan your visit online via the museum's website; the collection skews family-friendly, with enough flash (fossils, mummies, weapons) to hold attention across generations.

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Museum of World Treasures

Museum of World Treasures

Pharaohs, fossils, and a prize at the finish line

  • Museum
  • Scavenger Hunt
  • Family Friendly
  • Dinosaurs
  • Egyptian Mummies
  • Indoor
  • Wichita

The Museum of World Treasures in Wichita invites visitors to take on a daily scavenger hunt through its galleries, with a prize waiting for treasure hunters who complete it. Available every day for all ages, according to the museum's website, the hunt turns a regular visit into a self-guided adventure through the collections, with each clue leading visitors deeper into the stories behind the artifacts.

The museum is known for an eclectic mix of displays, including Egyptian mummies and dinosaur fossils, giving families a way to step from ancient Egypt into the age of dinosaurs under one roof. Scavenger hunters can read the stories behind the artifacts as they work through the hunt, blending a bit of friendly competition with a dose of history.

Beyond the scavenger hunt, the museum also rents out banquet space for weddings and corporate meetings, with the exhibits serving as a built-in conversation starter. Anyone planning a visit can find details and ticketing information through the museum's website.

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7 Unexpected Spots to Catch Wichita Sunsets

7 Unexpected Spots to Catch Wichita Sunsets

Seven Wichita sunset spots worth leaving the house for

  • Sunsets
  • Outdoors
  • Parks
  • Date Night
  • Family
  • Wichita

Wichita Mom rounded up seven spots around town where the sky puts on a show worth stepping outside for. The list, compiled by a local parent contributor, runs from a downtown parking garage rooftop to a cow-dotted dirt road near Andover. The premise is simple: leave the backyard and go watch the sun drop from somewhere new.

The picks cover real range. Old Town Square's parking garage at 301 N Mead delivers a downtown skyline view, while the southeast corner of the 13th and McLean bridge puts you right above the Arkansas River. For wide-open sky with no buildings blocking the horizon, the open field west of Chapel Hill Church at 13th and Greenwich sometimes comes with bonus hay bales. Sedgwick County Park (6501 W 21st St N) and College Hill Park (304 Circle Drive) both work for families with kids who need room to move, and College Hill's stone bridge has serious sunset-photo potential.

Two more spots lean into the day-trip feel. The intersection of SW Indianola and 110th Street near Andover, locally nicknamed Airport Road, offers dirt roads, no traffic, and the occasional cow. Stearman Field at 14789 SW 30th St in Benton tops the family list: eat outside, watch planes take off, let the kids hit the playground, and catch the sunset in one stop. All seven spots are free to visit, according to Wichita Mom.

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Auburn Hills Golf Course

Auburn Hills Golf Course

A Perry Dye layout where wetlands, hills, and narrow fairways meet Wichita hospitality.

  • Golf
  • Public Course
  • Pga
  • Pro Shop
  • Lessons
  • Club Fitting
  • Event Venue
  • Wichita

Auburn Hills Golf Course, designed by world-famous architect Perry Dye, brings a wetland-and-hills challenge to Wichita golfers. Narrow fairways and rolling terrain make it a memorable round even for players who have logged years on the links, according to the course's listing on Three Best Rated.

The course is more than a place to play. Certified PGA professionals on staff offer custom club fittings and lessons for all ages, plus full-service club repair covering re-gripping, shaft repair or replacement, and loft and lie adjustments. The pro shop carries a wide selection of gear and clothing for men and women, and the same staff can help match the right equipment to your game.

Auburn Hills also hosts parties and meetings, with a venue that offers state-of-the-art amenities, a professional staff, and a setting the course describes as fitting for every occasion. Green fees, posted hours, and tee-time booking details were not included in the source listing.

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Pawnee Prairie Park

Pawnee Prairie Park

Wichita's biggest prairie park, 40 minutes from the trailhead back to the car.

  • Pawnee Prairie Park
  • Cowskin Creek
  • Wichita Wild
  • Birding
  • Hiking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Mountain Biking
  • Picnic

Pawnee Prairie Park is the largest property in the Wichita Park system, spanning 624.49 acres along the Cowskin. Land for the park was acquired during the 1960s and 1970s, and the property has been recognized as a Wichita Wild Nature area. The 2.2-mile out-and-back trail crosses varied habitats supporting multiple plant communities, according to the trail's ThreeBestRated listing.

The trail is best known for spring bird watching between March and April, when migrating species pass through. Beyond birding, the loop serves walkers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, with spacious picnic areas scattered across the property. Leashed dogs are allowed in designated areas, making it an easy family outing.

Amenities include an open shelter, horse and pet watering stations, and a wild habitat zone, per the listing. Cooking fires are allowed only in portable or permanent grills, so plan ahead if you want to grill. Budget about 40 minutes for the full loop, and check with Wichita Parks for shelter reservations or post-storm trail conditions.

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Sedgwick County Zoo

Sedgwick County Zoo

  • Zoo
  • Wildlife
  • Conservation
  • Family
  • Kids
  • Stem

Sedgwick County Zoo is one of Wichita's biggest draws, with more than 3,000 animals representing over 400 species. The zoo is a nonprofit accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and has earned national and international recognition for both its conservation work and its breeding programs for rare and endangered species. According to a Three Best Rated directory profile, the zoo describes itself as a global pioneer in wildlife conservation and a way for visitors to connect with protecting animals in their natural habitats.

Beyond the animal exhibits, the zoo runs STEM Safari programs in the Cargill Learning Center during the school year, giving kids hands-on science experiences tied to wildlife and habitat themes. For families, the zoo offers free admission for members and for young children ages 0 to 2, which makes an introductory visit low-cost for the littlest explorers. The facility's commitment to animal care and conservation has won multiple awards, putting it in a different tier than a typical walk-through animal park.

The zoo sits in northwest Wichita and is large enough to fill a full day depending on pace, with a mix of indoor learning spaces and outdoor habitats. Visitors should check the zoo's official site for current admission prices, daily hours, and any special exhibit schedules before heading out.

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Air Capital Memorial Park

Air Capital Memorial Park

A quiet Wichita park with a name that lifts off.

  • Wichita
  • Parks
  • Trails
  • Aviation
  • B 47
  • History

Air Capital Memorial Park is a small Wichita park featuring a bike trail and the Prairie Sunset Trail, plus on-site parking. The City of Wichita acquired the site in 1966, and it remains a quiet neighborhood stop for trail users looking for a short ride or walk.

The park's name traces directly to Wichita's aviation heritage. It was once the home of a B-47 Stratojet, a bomber manufactured locally in 1956. The aircraft was donated to the City of Wichita in 1965 and erected on a pedestal in the park in 1969. In October 1987, the City and McConnell Air Force Base launched a joint project to refurbish and rededicate the plane. The following month, the City Commission voted to return title to McConnell and relocate the B-47 to the base, where it sits today.

The park still offers open space and paved trails without the aircraft, but its name still honors the city's claim as the Air Capital of the World. The City of Wichita's facility page does not list hours or an address, so check the city's parks directory before heading over.

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Playground and benches at Barrington Park

Barrington Park

A small Wichita park with the basics, done well.

  • Park
  • Playground
  • Picnic
  • Family
  • Free
  • Outdoors
  • Neighborhood

Barrington Park is a small landscaped neighborhood park in Wichita. The grounds feature benches, picnic tables, and playground equipment, and according to the City of Wichita, the property was donated to the Board of Park Commissioners in 1990. It sits within the city parks system managed out of Wichita City Hall.

The compact footprint makes Barrington Park a quick stop rather than a destination outing. Parents and caregivers can settle in on the picnic tables while younger kids burn off energy on the playground, and the landscaped grounds keep the space looking tidy through the seasons. There are no big-ticket draws, which is part of the appeal. It is a calm, easy place to get outside for 30 minutes without a long drive or a parking plan.

Admission is free and the grounds are open during daylight hours as part of the city parks system. Pair a visit with a neighborhood walk or a nearby errand run if you want to stretch the outing, or use it as a routine stop when the kids just need to run.

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Cessna East Park

Cessna East Park

Sports, picnics, and a 6.5-mile bike path, all in one southeast Wichita park.

  • Wichita
  • Southeast
  • Softball
  • Tennis
  • Disc Golf
  • Playground
  • Bike Path
  • Gypsum Creek
  • Picnic
  • Free

Cessna East Park sits on the southeast side of Wichita in two triangular tracts formed where the Kansas Turnpike cuts diagonally through the city. The northeast section along Mt. Vernon Road is the active sports hub, while the southwest section leans toward picnicking and quieter recreation. Cessna Aircraft Company donated the land in 1960, and development has been supported by Land and Water Conservation Funds through the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and the National Park Service, according to the City of Wichita's facility page.

The park packs a lot into its footprint. Families with kids head for the playground with its sand safety surface, while ball players book the two lighted softball diamonds (the west one is fenced, with dugouts and bleachers). Tennis players get two lighted courts, and there is also a basketball and multi-use court for pickup games. A 60-by-30-foot open shelter with lighting and electrical receptacles makes it a workable spot for a birthday party or team gathering, and picnic tables are scattered throughout for casual lunches.

Disc golfers can start a round that begins at adjacent Cessna West Park, and cyclists can pick up the 6.5-mile Gypsum Creek Bicycle Path, which runs from the Towne East Square area near Douglas south along Armour Drive to Turnpike Drive. Parking and restrooms are on site.

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College Hill Park

College Hill Park

Rolling green space in College Hill, since 1925

  • Wichita
  • College Hill
  • Park
  • Playground
  • Free

College Hill Park is a neighborhood green space in Wichita, acquired by the city in 1925 according to the City of Wichita facilities listing. The park covers grass-covered and landscaped rolling topography, giving it a gently hilly feel that sets it apart from flatter city lots. Concrete walks cross the park at convenient locations, threading the green space together for pedestrians.

Facilities listed on the City of Wichita page include a playground and restrooms, making it a practical stop for families with young kids. The combination of open grass and paved paths gives visitors room to spread out for a quick play break or a longer stroll through the landscaped grounds. It reads as a classic neighborhood park rather than a destination facility.

Because it is a City of Wichita park, it is open to the public at no cost. Visitors looking for addresses, hours, or program details should check the linked City of Wichita facilities page, since this listing does not include those specifics.

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Columbine Park

Columbine Park

A quiet neighborhood park with tennis, hoops, and a grass softball diamond.

  • Wichita
  • Neighborhood Park
  • Tennis
  • Basketball
  • Softball
  • Outdoor Rec
  • Free

Columbine Park is a small neighborhood park on Wichita's west side, acquired by the Board of Park Commissioners in 1954. According to the City of Wichita, the park sits adjacent to McLean Science and Technology Magnet Elementary School, making it a natural after-school and weekend stop for families in the area. The grounds are compact, but they pack in three distinct sporting uses.

The park's main draws are its two lighted tennis courts, a basketball and multi-use court, and an all-grass softball diamond with no seating or lighting. The tennis courts are the only facilities with lights, so evening play is best reserved for that side of the park. Basketball and softball users will want to plan around daylight hours. There are no bleachers at the softball field, so bring your own chairs if you're catching a game.

Because Columbine Park is a neighborhood-scale facility rather than a destination park, expect a low-key, locals-only vibe rather than tournament-level amenities. Parking and other logistics are typical of small city parks in Wichita. The City of Wichita facility page does not list a street address or published hours, so visitors planning a first trip may want to confirm the location through the city's parks map before heading out.

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Cypress Park

Cypress Park

A small Wichita park named for its grove of cypress trees.

  • Wichita
  • Park
  • Playground
  • Picnic
  • Cypress
  • Neighborhood

Cypress Park is a small Wichita neighborhood park featuring picnic tables and a playground. The City of Wichita acquired the property in 1950 and originally called it Willows Park before renaming it for the grove of cypress trees that gives the place its standout look, according to the city's facility page.

It is a simple, no-frills green space that works well for families and neighbors looking for an easy outdoor break. The combo of the mature cypress grove, picnic tables, and playground makes it a convenient stop for a packed lunch, a toddler play session, or a low-key afternoon under the trees. Anyone looking for a quiet alternative to Wichita's larger destination parks will find Cypress Park worth a visit.

Admission is free. The city's facility listing does not include specific operating hours or a street address, so visitors should check the City of Wichita parks page or call ahead before planning a trip.

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Delano Park

Delano Park

A small triangular park at the bridge approach in Delano

  • Wichita
  • Delano
  • Park
  • Pocket Park
  • Bridge
  • Mclean Boulevard

Delano Park is a small triangular green space in Wichita's Delano neighborhood, sitting where McLean Boulevard meets the Douglas Street Bridge approach, according to the City of Wichita's facility listing. The shape and corner placement give it a defined, easy-to-spot footprint for anyone crossing between the riverfront side of Delano and the rest of the neighborhood.

Compact rather than sprawling, the park functions as a pocket-sized rest stop in one of Wichita's older neighborhoods. Its position at the bridge makes it a natural pause point for walkers moving between downtown and Delano's small businesses and historic streets, rather than a destination for a long afternoon.

The City of Wichita maintains the park. Specific amenities, posted hours, and parking details were not listed on the city facility page reviewed, so check the source link or call the city for current information before planning a visit.

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Paul Laurence Dunbar Park

Paul Laurence Dunbar Park

  • Park
  • Playground
  • Kompan
  • Cdbg
  • Wichita

Paul Laurence Dunbar Park sits at 11th and Indiana in Wichita, a neighborhood park developed through a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). According to the city's facility page, it is a newer addition to the parks inventory and features the first Kompan play equipment installed anywhere in the community. The name appears on the city's listing even though the page text notes the park has not been officially named or dedicated, so visitors may notice some inconsistency between the listing title and the dedication status.

Kompan is a higher-end commercial playground line, and the city's decision to debut it at this location signals an investment in quality public recreation. The CDBG funding pathway means the project was scoped to serve residents who might otherwise lack access to upgraded park amenities, with the distinctive play equipment chosen as a way to give the neighborhood something new.

The park is free to visit as part of the city's municipal parks system, consistent with other Wichita city parks. Hours and parking details are not listed on the city's facility page, so visitors should plan a daytime visit. The Kompan equipment is geared toward younger children and families looking for a fresh spot to play.

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Edgebrook Park

Edgebrook Park

A community-built pocket playground in Habitat Village

  • Wichita
  • Park
  • Playground
  • Habitat Village
  • Family
  • Free
  • Outdoors
  • South Wichita

Edgebrook Park is a small neighborhood park on the south side of Wichita, tucked inside the Habitat Village community. According to the City of Wichita, the park offers benches, picnic tables, and a playground, making it a simple, low-key stop for families looking to burn off some energy or share a snack outdoors.

The park has a community-built backstory worth knowing. The land was originally donated to Habitat for Humanity, who constructed the surrounding neighborhood, then turned the park over to the Wichita Park Department. Habitat for Humanity purchased the playground equipment, and volunteers from the community along with local playground professionals installed it, so every swing and slide at Edgebrook was put in place by neighbors pitching in.

There is no admission fee and parking is informal, typical of a neighborhood pocket park. Drop in for a quick play session, bring a picnic, or use it as a rest stop on a walk through Habitat Village. Parents should note that the facility page does not list posted hours or a street address, so check with the Wichita Park Department before planning a special trip.

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Riverside Tennis Center Pickleball

Riverside Tennis Center Pickleball

Wichita's top pickleball destination, indoor and outdoor

  • Pickleball
  • Tennis
  • Recreation
  • Outdoor
  • Indoor
  • Sports
  • Wichita

Riverside Tennis Center at 551 Nims is Wichita's largest pickleball destination, with 9 outdoor courts lit for night play and 6 indoor courts striped across 3 tennis courts. The City of Wichita's Parks and Recreation department operates the facility.

The center caters to every level of pickleball player. Underhand serves and a smaller court make pickleball easier to play than tennis, but the pace still delivers a solid workout, according to the City of Wichita. Court lights extend play well into the evening, and the mix of indoor and outdoor surfaces lets players keep going year-round regardless of Wichita weather.

Riverside Tennis Center sits at 551 Nims; the phone line is 316-337-9257. The City of Wichita runs pickleball courts at several other recreation centers and parks across town, including Edgemoor, Boston, Orchard, Linwood, and Evergreen (indoor), plus Edgemoor Park, Buffalo Park, Osage Park, Seneca Park, and Sherwood Glen (outdoor). Some courts are first-come-first-serve; others can be reserved for a small fee. The Brewer recreation center pickleball courts are currently closed for improvements.

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QR Fit Trail at Wichita Parks

QR Fit Trail at Wichita Parks

Scan, sweat, and explore three Wichita parks on a free self-guided fitness trail.

  • Parks
  • Fitness
  • Outdoor
  • Free
  • Family
  • Trail
  • Qr Fit Trail

Wichita Parks and Recreation runs the QR Fit Trail, a self-guided outdoor workout built into roughly one-mile loops at three city parks. Instead of just walking or running, hikers stop at posted signs, scan a QR code with their phone, and watch a short video demonstrating an exercise they can do right there on the trail. The signs let users choose their focus: Upper Body, Core, Flexibility, or Lower Body, and pick an experience level, so the workout can be tailored to whoever shows up.

Each video doubles as a built-in coach, showing proper form before the exerciser joins in for the prescribed number of reps or set time. After finishing, you walk or jog to the next sign and repeat. Because the workouts require no equipment, the trails are an easy way for families, beginners, and casual park-goers to add real movement to a routine without paying for a gym. According to the City of Wichita, three parks across the city currently host the program.

The trails are free and available during regular park hours, so plan a visit during daylight and bring water. Wear shoes you can move in and have your phone charged and ready to scan.

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Ralph Wulz Riverside Tennis Center

Ralph Wulz Riverside Tennis Center

Wichita's home for community tennis

  • Tennis
  • Leagues
  • Recreation
  • Wichita
  • Outdoor Sports

Ralph Wulz Riverside Tennis Center, operated by the City of Wichita, hosts a slate of tennis leagues for local players. The facility is home to a coed drop-in doubles program that welcomes players of any skill level, from beginners to seasoned competitors, into a round robin rotation.

The coed drop-in league runs on a flight system, meaning players advance up or down brackets based on their win-loss record from the previous week. That structure keeps matchups competitive from one session to the next. Players can either call ahead or arrive early to drop their name on the play list. There is a per-visit fee, and staff reserve the right to adjust pairings as needed to keep play balanced, according to the city's recreation page.

To register or get more information, call the center at 316-337-9257 or visit the City of Wichita's tennis registration page. The center sits along the Arkansas River on Wichita's west side as part of the broader Riverside park complex.

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O.J. Watson Park

O.J. Watson Park

Two stocked lakes, plus playgrounds and a weekend concession stand

  • Fishing
  • Outdoors
  • Family
  • Parks
  • Urban Fishing

O.J. Watson Park sits at 3022 S McLean Blvd in Wichita and offers two lakes stocked with trout, catfish, and bass according to Wichita on the Cheap's guide to metro fishing spots. The park is part of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism's Urban Fishing Program, which stocks around 85 public lakes statewide as part of its effort to put fishing within easy reach of city dwellers.

What sets Watson apart from a bare shoreline is the mix of amenities alongside the water. The park includes playgrounds, picnic tables, and public restrooms, and a concession stand is usually open on weekend afternoons outside of winter, per the guide. Anglers can also pair a trip here with other Urban Fishing Program stops across the Wichita metro, from K-96 Lake Park to Sedgwick County Park, all listed in the same roundup.

Access to the park is free, though Kansas residents ages 16 to 74 need a fishing license unless exempt. Resident annual licenses start at $25 with a senior rate for ages 65 to 74, according to the guide. The first full weekend in June is typically a free fishing weekend statewide, when no license is required to cast a line.

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Wichita Sedgwick County Historical Museum

Wichita Sedgwick County Historical Museum

Wichita's story, from the Magic City to today

  • History
  • Museum
  • Downtown
  • Family Friendly
  • Education
  • Old Town

The Wichita Sedgwick County Historical Museum sits at 204 S. Main in downtown Wichita, preserving and sharing the story of the city and Sedgwick County. According to the museum's website, it serves as a hands on window into local history, covering topics from Wichita's founding as the Magic City to the importance of bison on the plains and the everyday lives of children a century ago.

The museum leans hard into education. Its Adventure in Time video series on YouTube pairs with downloadable lesson plans for students learning remotely. Teachers can issue a Teacher Pass that admits students and their families at no charge, by emailing the museum from a school address or printing a pass to present at admissions. The Sedgwick County Image Archive and Wichita Photo Archives offer additional research material for deeper dives into local history.

The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 am to 4 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm. It is closed Mondays. Visitors can reach staff at 316-265-9314 or tours@wichitahistory.org to schedule group visits in advance. The Main Street location puts it within walking distance of other Old Town and downtown Wichita attractions.

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City of Clearwater Senior Center

City of Clearwater Senior Center

A community living room for Clearwater's older residents, with lunch, classes, and game nights.

  • Clearwater
  • Sedgwick County
  • Seniors
  • Community Center
  • Lunch Program
  • Classes
  • Rental Venue

The City of Clearwater Senior Center, located in Clearwater in Sedgwick County, serves as both a gathering place and a service hub for older residents of the community. According to the City of Clearwater website, the Center hosts educational presentations, computer classes, and organized trips and tours, alongside a roster of drop-in activities such as card games, dominoes, and Wii gaming on a large big-screen TV. It also functions as a general meeting place for residents of Clearwater.

Practical services are a major draw. Hot senior lunches are offered on weekdays for adults age 55 and older, with reservations taken by phone ahead of time. On the fourth Monday and Tuesday of each month, the Center hosts a commodities distribution for Sedgwick County residents who qualify by income. The Center also publishes a monthly SCOOP newsletter outlining upcoming programs and activities, and visitors are invited to suggest new offerings to the Senior Center Director.

The facility is available to rent for private events, with availability tracked through the Senior Center Calendar. Specific hours, the street address, and a contact phone number are not listed on the City of Clearwater's senior center page and should be confirmed with City Hall before visiting.

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Clearwater Historic Cemeteries

Clearwater Historic Cemeteries

  • Cemetery
  • Pioneer History
  • Genealogy
  • Clearwater
  • Sedgwick County
  • Historic Site

The Clearwater Cemetery District maintains three historic burial grounds on the Kansas prairie west of Wichita. Noel Cemetery, Ruby Cemetery, and Harrington Cemetery each date to the late 1800s, when settlers from Kentucky, Illinois, and elsewhere staked homesteads in Sedgwick County. The grounds remain open to visitors interested in local pioneer history and genealogical research, according to the city of Clearwater.

Each cemetery has a distinct origin story. Harrington Cemetery sits on an acre that Elisha Rogers Harrington donated in November 1873 from his 160-acre prairie claim; Harrington and several family members are among the earliest burials there, and the site was once called the Ninnescah cemetery. Ruby Cemetery, according to resident Mary McLaughlin Carter, took the name of a settler's wife who was one of the first buried on the site after two Illinois families settled the area; the deed was recorded February 21, 1881. Noel Cemetery was given to the community by the Noel family, who came from Kentucky; Mary A. (Mrs. R.G. Hukle) was the first person buried there. Genealogical burial records for all three cemeteries are housed at the Cowtown Library in Wichita.

The cemeteries are spread across rural roads southwest and east of Clearwater. Noel sits on 71st Street south of 11th Street, about three miles west and a half mile north of Peck. Ruby is at 71st Street South and 151st. Harrington is on the north side of 111th South at 215th West, three miles east of Viola on the Clearwater to Viola Road. All three have been maintained by the Clearwater Cemetery District since June 11, 1943. There is no admission fee, and the grounds are typically accessible during daylight hours. For questions about available lots or other matters, call the Cemetery Office at 620-584-2311.

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Mary Jane Teall Theater at Century II

Mary Jane Teall Theater at Century II

Century II's acoustically tuned mainstage

  • Theater
  • Performing Arts
  • Century Ii
  • Wichita
  • Live Shows

Mary Jane Teall Theater is a 652-seat performance hall inside Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center. According to the Century II website, the acoustically designed space can be used for drama productions, meetings, lectures, audio-visual presentations, and seminars. The stage runs 49 feet deep with a 40-foot-wide by 20-foot-tall proscenium, and the room includes a forestage lift, professional stage lighting and sound, and a public address system for audience participation.

Productions that have passed through the room include the touring musical Frozen Junior, The Spongebob Musical, and the live podcast taping 4 Things with Amy Brown Live, giving a sense of the range from family shows to broadcast events. An infrared assisted listening system is available, and six wheelchair seating locations are integrated into the main seating layout.

Patrons enter through the Century II campus, where the theater operates on the schedule of whichever touring show or rental is booked in the room.

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Kansas Aviation Museum

Kansas Aviation Museum

Wichita's hangar full of restored aircraft, Hall of Fame honorees, and deep aviation archives.

  • Aviation
  • Museum
  • Mcconnell
  • Wichita
  • Hall Of Fame
  • Family
  • History
  • Archive

The Kansas Aviation Museum sits at the intersection of South George Washington Boulevard and 31st Street South, adjacent to McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita. Housed in a former terminal building, the museum tells the story of Kansas aviation through restored aircraft and curated exhibits. According to the museum's website, it preserves the memory of extraordinary Kansas citizens whose contributions to aviation reached statewide or national significance, and it serves as home to the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame.

Visitors can get up close to volunteer-restored aircraft ranging from some of the earliest production planes to the much-revered Beechcraft Bonanza, with skilled volunteers donating countless hours to bring them back to display condition. The museum's archives hold original documents, photographs, negatives, drawings, periodicals, and blueprints of many historic aircraft, a gold mine for aviation history researchers. Memberships include free admission, special event perks, and exclusive updates, and through August 2, visitors can use the Sunflower Summer app to claim a membership at 50% off.

The museum is open every day except Thursday. Membership tiers cover individual adults, households (two adults and their children under 18, or two grandparents and their grandchildren under 18), and libraries; household members can bring one free guest per visit. The site is a short drive south of McConnell and welcomes both casual visitors curious about Wichita's aviation roots and serious researchers digging into the archives.

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Kansas Aviation Museum

Kansas Aviation Museum

Wichita's air capital story, restored aircraft, and a Hall of Fame honoring Kansas aviators.

  • Aviation
  • Museum
  • History
  • Wichita
  • Hall Of Fame
  • Mcconnell

The Kansas Aviation Museum preserves the story of Kansas aviation, with the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame honoring extraordinary Kansans who shaped the field at the statewide or national level. Dozens of volunteers restore aircraft on site, ranging from the earliest production planes to the beloved Beechcraft Bonanza. The museum's archives hold original documents, photographs, negatives, drawings, periodicals, and blueprints tied to many historic aircraft, according to the museum's site.

It is a deep archive and a hands-on exhibit in one. Visitors can see restored planes up close, read about Hall of Fame honorees, and explore the engineering side of flight history. For families, kids get to walk through the era of Kansas's air capital and meet the people who shaped it. The setting next to McConnell Air Force Base adds context, with base operations providing a living backdrop.

The museum sits at the intersection of South George Washington Boulevard and 31st Street South, adjacent to McConnell Air Force Base, and is open every day except Thursday. It also serves as an event venue: the main Atrium holds up to 290 seated, and full facility plus outdoor rentals top out at 480, available for weddings, receptions, corporate events, and large private gatherings. Specific admission prices and opening hours were not listed on the source page.

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Kansas Aviation Museum

Kansas Aviation Museum

Wichita's hangar of Kansas flight history

  • Aviation
  • Museum
  • Wichita
  • History
  • Family
  • Hall Of Fame
  • Aircraft
  • Mcconnell
  • Photography

The Kansas Aviation Museum sits at the intersection of South George Washington Boulevard and 31st Street South, adjacent to McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita. According to the museum, the facility preserves the story of Kansas aviation through restored aircraft, a research archive, and the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame, which honors extraordinary Kansans whose contributions to flight reached statewide or national significance. Dozens of volunteers donate countless hours restoring aircraft, with projects ranging from the earliest production planes to the much-revered Beechcraft Bonanza.

The museum is more than a hangar of static displays. Its archives hold original documents, photographs, negatives, drawings, periodicals, and blueprints of many historic aircraft, making the collection a rich stop for researchers, students, and curious families. Beyond the exhibits, the venue hosts photography sessions for milestone birthdays, senior pictures, and engagement shoots, offering a unique setting that is hard to match anywhere else in the region.

The museum is open every day except Thursday, making it an easy fit for a weekend outing or a weekday afternoon stop. Visitors will find it just off the McConnell gate area, with the collection of aircraft visible from the surrounding roads. Whether you have an hour or an afternoon, the combination of restored planes and historical archives gives locals a meaningful reason to come back more than once.

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YMCA Parkinson's Support Program

Free fitness and friendship for Wichitans living with Parkinson's.

  • Parkinsons
  • Fitness
  • Support Group
  • Seniors
  • Ymca
  • Wellness
  • Free

The Greater Wichita YMCA offers a free Parkinson's Support Program for members living with Parkinson's disease or related symptoms. According to the YMCA's program page, classes meet three times a week for sixty minutes and are open to enrolled participants at multiple branch locations across Wichita. The program is led by trained YMCA staff and is structured to address both the motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's.

Exercise and physical activity can improve many symptoms of Parkinson's, and the Y's program is built around that idea. Sessions include endurance work, strengthening, balance training, and stretching, all designed to optimize daily function and quality of life. Cognitive exercises and vocalization drills are built in as well, since Parkinson's often affects thinking and speech. Beyond fitness, the program creates a sense of community for participants, which the YMCA lists as a core part of fighting the isolation, depression, and anxiety that often come with a Parkinson's diagnosis.

Participation is free, though enrollment is required. To sign up or learn more, contact YMCA Metro Wellness Support Director Lianna Fry at lianna.fry@ymcawichita.org or 316-776-8173. Classes are offered at several Wichita YMCA branches; the YMCA website lists the staff contact for each location. Participants are encouraged to attend as many of the three weekly sessions as possible for the best results.

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Greater Wichita YMCA Pools

Wichita's largest swim network, since 1885.

  • Ymca
  • Swimming
  • Lessons
  • Lap Swim
  • Family
  • Kids
  • Water Park
  • Indoor Pool
  • Outdoor Pool

The Greater Wichita YMCA operates the largest network of public swimming facilities in the area, a tradition that goes back to 1885. Members and guest pass holders can use 9 indoor family pools, 9 indoor lap and lane pools, 9 hot tubs, and 4 outdoor water parks across branches in and around the city. The Y teaches thousands of Wichitans to swim every year, from infants through active older adults, working to build comfort and confidence in the water, according to the YMCA website.

Members get unlimited access to open swim, family swim times, lap swim, water-based group exercise classes, and pool-based programs and sports. Non-members can still sign up for swim lessons or grab a guest pass to try a facility. Members also receive discounts on all in-water programs and activities, per the Greater Wichita YMCA.

Hours and open swim schedules vary by branch, so check the specific location page before heading out. Group exercise and program schedules live on the YMCA's Group Exercise Search and Programs Search pages on ymcawichita.org. A single membership unlocks pool access at every Y branch, so the closest location becomes a swimmer's home base.

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Greater Wichita YMCA Summer Camp

Wichita's biggest, most diverse camp program for kids 5 to 14.

  • Ymca
  • Summer Camp
  • Kids
  • Family
  • Outdoor
  • Overnight
  • Day Camp

The Greater Wichita YMCA runs the region's largest and most diverse summer camp program for kids ages 5 to 14, with registration for 2026 now open. Families can choose from a wide menu of camp experiences designed to keep kids active, learning, and socializing all summer long, according to the YMCA website.

The flagship overnight program takes place at YMCA Camp Hyde, where campers unplug from daily routines and dive into climbing, canoeing, horseback riding, nature walks, sports, and swimming. Family Camp at Camp Hiawatha offers a traditional overnight getaway July 31 through August 1, 2026, with a climbing tower, zip line, archery, campfires, arts and crafts, and high adventure courses that welcome all ages.

Trained YMCA staff provide a safe, fun environment, and School Day Out and Break Camps fill the gaps when parents need to work during scheduled school closures. Day- and week-long programs run during holidays and spring break. Families can browse the full lineup of camp offerings and register through the Greater Wichita YMCA website.

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Wichita Art Museum

Wichita Art Museum

Free Saturdays, American masters, and a kids' craft to take home

  • Art
  • Museum
  • Free
  • Family
  • Downtown
  • First Friday

The Wichita Art Museum sits among the largest art museums in Kansas, with a permanent collection that includes works by Dale Chihuly, Mary Cassatt, Edward Hopper, John Steuart Curry, Winslow Homer, and Charles M. Russell. That lineup covers American masters across centuries, from frontier painter Russell to modernist Hopper, plus Cassatt's impressionist sensibility and Chihuly's blown-glass installations. According to Visit Wichita, the museum is a centerpiece of the city's cultural scene, anchoring a downtown corridor that fills with art lovers on First Fridays.

Saturday is the day to go. Admission is free at WAM each Saturday, and children get a free craft to take home, which makes it one of the easier family outings in town to plan on a budget. The named-artist collection means a first-time visitor sees real heavyweights rather than filler, and rotating exhibits keep repeat visits worth scheduling. Pair it with First Friday openings downtown, or with the Ulrich Museum of Art across town at Wichita State, which is always free and offers 6,000-plus modern and contemporary works plus 70 outdoor sculptures on campus.

Free admission applies every Saturday, with a children's craft included for kids. The museum is part of a wider Wichita arts scene that includes First Friday gallery walks downtown, the Ulrich Museum of Art at Wichita State (always free, with 6,000-plus modern works and 70 outdoor sculptures on campus), and the Autumn & Art festival at Bradley Fair in September. Museum hours default to Tuesday through Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm.

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Planters and hanging baskets of flowers lining Douglas Avenue in downtown Wichita.

Flowers on Douglas

12,000 flowers along downtown's main street.

  • Downtown
  • Douglas Avenue
  • Flowers
  • Public Art
  • Free
  • Outdoor
  • Walking
  • Seasonal

Flowers on Douglas is a downtown Wichita beautification project launched in 2017 that fills planter pots and hanging baskets along Douglas Avenue with more than 12,000 flowers each year, according to the Downtown Wichita website. The effort covers the main commercial spine of downtown and turns the street into a seasonal flower walk that residents and visitors can enjoy at no cost.

The project is led by Cindy Carnahan in partnership with Downtown Wichita, Hein Lawn and Landscaping, and a team of master gardeners, per the Downtown Wichita page. The volunteer-driven approach keeps the planters and hanging baskets maintained through the growing season, and the scale of the display (more than 12,000 blooms annually) makes Douglas one of the most colorful stretches of street in the city.

The flowers run along Douglas Avenue in downtown Wichita and are visible from the public sidewalk, so anyone passing by can take in the display. There is no admission charge. The source page does not specify the exact start and end months for the planting season, so check the Downtown Wichita site or social channels for the current bloom window before you go.

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Q-Line Trolley

Q-Line Trolley

  • Trolley
  • Shuttle
  • Free
  • Downtown
  • Transportation
  • Delano
  • Old Town
  • Douglas Design District

The Q-Line is a free shuttle service operated by Wichita Transit that links downtown's most-visited districts: Historic Delano, Old Town, and the Douglas Design District. According to the Downtown Wichita website, visitors can board the trolley just steps from their hotel, while locals can park once and ride free between destinations.

The summer Q-Line on Douglas Avenue runs mornings, midday with a Museum Loop Extension, and evenings, with frequencies ranging from every 15 minutes on Saturdays to about 45 minutes during weekday mornings. The route is designed to give riders easy access to museums, galleries, and restaurants along the Douglas corridor, making it a practical way to explore the city's core without a car.

Hours and frequencies vary by day and time of day, so riders should check the latest schedule on the Wichita Transit website or the Downtown Wichita page before planning a trip. The service is free, runs frequently during peak hours, and stops within walking distance of major downtown attractions.

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Beau Monde West Spa day spa interior

Beau Monde West Spa

Wichita's lakefront luxury escape for self-care and renewal

  • Spa
  • Wellness
  • Self Care
  • Massage
  • Facials
  • Wichita

Beau Monde West Spa is a luxury lakefront day spa and boutique in West Wichita, according to Wichita Mom's guide to spas, aesthetics, and self-care. The spa offers massage therapy, facials, body treatments, hair removal, manicures, and pedicures, along with a curated retail selection.

What sets Beau Monde West Spa apart is its thoughtful amenities designed to help guests fully unwind. The facility features a full-spectrum infrared sauna, a Himalayan salt cave with halotherapy, and serene relaxation spaces. Whether guests are treating themselves, planning a spa day, or searching for a gift, the spa aims to help every visitor feel renewed, nurtured, and better than when they arrived.

Beau Monde West Spa is located at 7732 E Central Ave, Suite 119 in Wichita. As a featured listing in Wichita Mom's curated guide, it represents one of the area's premier self-care destinations. Guests can book individual services or arrange a full spa day, with services spanning skin care, beauty, and day spa categories.

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Santa Fe Lake

Santa Fe Lake

Wichita's closest lake beach, 25 minutes from town

  • Outdoors
  • Swimming
  • Family
  • Camping
  • Boating
  • Day Trip

Santa Fe Lake, about 25 minutes southwest of Wichita near Augusta, is the closest swimming beach the metro can claim without a long drive. According to the Wichita Mom roundup, the lake offers two family-friendly swimming beaches plus boating, fishing, camping, picnicking, biking, and hiking trails, with a small waterfall to explore on the property. Day passes run $10 and a season pass is $55.

For Wichita families with young kids, it is the easiest lake day of the summer, close enough for a half-day outing or a full camping weekend. The water is the typical warm, murky Kansas variety, so pack lake shoes for the kids. The Wichita Mom guide notes that lake levels drop after a dry winter and spring, so check water levels before making the drive.

The lake sits at 11367 SW Shore Drive, Augusta, KS 67010. On-site amenities include two beaches, a waterfall, hiking and biking trails, and camping. The same Wichita Mom roundup lists Lake Afton, Harvey County Lake, El Dorado, Cheney Reservoir, Fall River, Kanopolis, and several state-park beaches for families willing to drive farther out of town.

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Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum

Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum

  • History
  • Museum
  • Downtown
  • Old City Hall
  • National Register
  • Architecture

The Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum calls the 1892 Old City Hall home, a striking landmark known as the "Palace of the Plains" that anchors downtown Wichita. The museum opened inside the restored building on May 3, 1981, after a $1.3 million renovation funded jointly by city and federal money, with another $500,000 raised privately to finish exhibits and interior space. According to the museum's website, the structure itself is treated as the institution's "premier artifact."

Designed by architects Willis Proudfoot and George Bird during the boom years of the 1880s, the building originally cost about $100,000 to construct, a price tag that took the city until 1928 to pay off through bonds. The clock tower stood vacant for years before its 1,000-pound bell was added in 1917 and the carillon installed in the 1950s. The building once housed every city office, the police and fire departments, and Wichita's first public library. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971 and designated a local historic landmark in 1975.

Inside, the collection holds more than 80,000 items tracing Wichita and Sedgwick County from 1865 to the present, including photographs, fashions, business records, and furniture. The museum's roots go back to 1919 and the Sedgwick County Pioneer Society, started by Mrs. George Whitney, which collected artifacts that later merged with Mrs. Cyrus M. Beachy's antique estate after she left her East Douglas home to the Association in 1955. Visitors can tour the galleries, browse the gift shop, and join a Friends of the Museum event to support preservation work.

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Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum

Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum

Wichita's 1890 City Hall, reborn as one of America's finest local history museums

  • History
  • Museum
  • School Tours
  • Downtown Wichita
  • 1890 City Hall
  • Educational
  • Kids
  • Families
  • Victorian
  • Wichita History

The Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum calls Wichita's original 1890 City Hall building home, and according to the museum's website it ranks as one of America's finest museums of local history. Inside, visitors move through immersive exhibits that trace how a frontier town on the Kansas plains grew into one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. Highlights include the recreated Wichita Cottage, the Mayor's Office exhibit, and the Wichita the Magic City gallery that focuses on the building's own origin story.

Educators have plenty of reasons to bring a class, and curious adults will find just as much to dig into. The museum offers guided tours designed to align with Kansas Curricular Standards across grade bands, with themes ranging from Before Settlement and A Child's World for younger students, to Wichita Then and Now, What Makes a City, and a Government program for grades 9 through 12. Several tours include hands-on activities or an optional craft component, and many use comparison exercises that connect past Wichita to present-day life.

Admission for school groups is a class donation of any amount, and the museum notes that community support keeps its programs running. Bus funding is available, and educators at public schools in Sumner County can contact the museum about a free combined visit to the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum and Old Cowtown Museum through the Kansas All-Star Scholars Fund. The tour catalog also extends naturally to families and history buffs who want a deeper, curriculum-informed look at the city.

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Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum

Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum

Where Wichita history and curious teens meet

  • Wichita
  • Museum
  • History
  • Teens
  • Volunteer
  • Education

The Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum is a downtown gathering place for Wichita history, and through its Teens Through Time program, now in its third year, it doubles as a hands-on classroom for local high schoolers. The program invites teens to learn museum literacy and local history, then work together as a group to plan and host their own Teen Night event at the museum.

Participants get a behind-the-scenes look at how a museum operates, from collections care to event design, and they collaborate to produce a public program of their own making. According to the museum, the group is a fit for students who need volunteer hours, want to explore museum work as a career path, or simply love history. It is one of the more unusual résumé builders available to Wichita teens before they graduate high school.

Interested students can apply through the museum's school tours and teen program page. Group size, meeting cadence, and the date of Teen Night are set by the museum each year, and the Teen Night itself is open to the wider community once the students finalize the program.

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Wichita Sedgwick County Historical Museum

Wichita Sedgwick County Historical Museum

Wichita's original City Hall, now telling the city's story.

  • Wichita
  • History
  • Museum
  • Aviation
  • Downtown
  • City Hall

The Wichita Sedgwick County Historical Museum has called Wichita's original City Hall home for the last three decades, according to the museum's site. The building went up in 1890 and is treated as an exhibit in its own right, so visitors see the history before they even reach the galleries. The museum presents a wide sweep of Wichita life across the centuries, from the Wichita Indian tribe that gave the city its name, to the cowboys who drove cattle through the area, to the dawn of aviation and Wichita's role as the Air Capital of the World.

The museum's framing, as described on its visit page, is that local stories give the wider world meaning for younger visitors and offer adults a chance at reflection, amusement, and perspective. That mix of regional pride and broader civic context is the draw for school groups, families, and curious adults looking to understand how a prairie town became an aviation capital.

Because the visit page does not list a street address, hours, or admission, plan ahead by checking the museum's site before you go. The downtown City Hall location puts it within walking distance of other Wichita landmarks, making it an easy anchor for a longer history-focused day.

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Armando Minjárez Monárrez 'En Cuerpo Presente' Opens at Wichita Art Museum August 28

Armando Minjárez Monárrez 'En Cuerpo Presente' Opens at Wichita Art Museum August 28

  • Wam
  • Wichita Art Museum
  • Contemporary Art
  • Exhibition
  • Armando Minjárez Monárrez
  • En Cuerpo Presente

The Wichita Art Museum will host "Armando Minjárez Monárrez: En Cuerpo Presente" from August 28, 2026 through February 7, 2027, according to the museum's exhibitions page. The exhibition brings contemporary work by Armando Minjárez Monárrez to Wichita for an extended run, giving visitors roughly five and a half months to experience the show before it closes in early February 2027. WAM lists the show on its "What's On" calendar, and the long window gives locals plenty of flexibility to plan a visit around other fall and winter commitments.

The Spanish title "En Cuerpo Presente" translates roughly to "in bodily presence," suggesting a show centered on the body as artistic subject. WAM's exhibitions page confirms the run dates, making this one of the longer exhibitions on the museum's seasonal calendar. For Wichita art lovers, an extended contemporary exhibition like this offers a rare chance to spend time with a single artist's vision without the rush of a short-run stop. The multi-month window also means visitors can return for repeat visits and catch details they may have missed on a first pass.

The Wichita Art Museum sits at 1400 West Museum Boulevard, just west of downtown Wichita near the Arkansas River. Visitors should check the museum's website closer to the August 28 opening date for member previews, opening receptions, and any associated programming such as artist talks, gallery tours, or family days. As with most WAM exhibitions, "En Cuerpo Presente" will be available during the museum's regular operating hours throughout its run, so a visit can be folded into a regular trip to the museum district. The museum's broader American art collection remains on view alongside the special exhibition.

Wichita Art Museum hours and admission details were not listed on the exhibitions page and should be confirmed directly with the museum before visiting. WAM typically operates Wednesday through Sunday with daytime hours and is generally closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Admission is typically free for WAM members, with a modest fee for non-member adults and free or reduced admission for younger children. Free parking is available on-site at the museum, and the gift shop is worth a stop on the way out.

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Cenozoic Era Exhibit at Museum of World Treasures

Cenozoic Era Exhibit at Museum of World Treasures

Walk through the age of mammals at Wichita's Museum of World Treasures.

  • Museum
  • Natural History
  • Paleontology
  • Wichita
  • Family Friendly

The Cenozoic Era exhibit at the Museum of World Treasures invites visitors to explore the roughly 66-million-year period that followed the dinosaurs' mass extinction. According to the museum's exhibit page, the display focuses on the time when mammals came to dominate the land and fish filled the seas, offering a hands-on look at some of the era's most striking species.

Highlights include the skull of a mesohippus, a small three-toed ancestor of the modern horse, and a complete gray wolf skeleton shown mid-chase. The exhibit also draws comparisons between mammoth species and walks visitors through the differences between ancient and modern fish, per the museum.

The Cenozoic Era gallery is part of the larger Museum of World Treasures, which the museum describes as a multi-era collection spanning dinosaurs, Egyptian mummies, and World War artifacts. Visitors can plan a trip through several time periods in a single stop, with the Cenozoic gallery as one stop along the way.

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Museum of World Treasures

Museum of World Treasures

Where every era is on display.

  • Museum
  • Egypt
  • Mummies
  • History
  • Exhibit
  • Shabtis
  • Ancient World

The Museum of World Treasures is currently hosting 'Seeking A'aru: Journey to the Ancient Egyptian Afterlife,' an exhibit built around the funerary world of the pharaohs. According to the museum's exhibit page, highlights include the inner and outer coffins belonging to Tarutu, an ancient Egyptian Temple Singer, a large collection of shabtis, and two 3,000-year-old female mummies.

Per the museum's own description, the collection is famously eclectic. Visitors can move from dinosaurs and Egyptian mummies to World War artifacts and shrunken heads in a single afternoon. The Seeking A'aru exhibit is a strong reason to plan a return trip, offering authentic artifacts most people only see in textbooks.

Hours, admission, and address were not listed on this exhibit page, so check the museum's main site before heading out. Plan at least a few hours to take in the Egyptian exhibit and the broader collection.

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Sedgwick County Park Sunrise Boundless Playground

Sedgwick County Park Sunrise Boundless Playground

Three playgrounds, one trail, all ages welcome.

  • Park
  • Playground
  • Zip Line
  • Hiking Trail
  • Family Friendly
  • Dog Friendly

Sedgwick County Park's Sunrise Boundless Playground spreads across three interconnected play areas built for different age groups, making it a one-stop park for families with mixed-age kids. According to Wichita Mom, the playgrounds include swings, a small rock wall, tunnel, monkey bars, zip lines, and a small ropes course. A sand and water play area gives toddlers a place to dig and splash, while older kids can burn energy on the zip line.

What locals say sets the park apart is the shaded hiking and biking trail that runs through the property, described as feeling more like a forest path than a prairie walk. Off the trail sits an oversized blue Adirondack chair that has become a favorite family photo backdrop. Tennis courts, pickleball courts, and additional play areas are nearby, so parents can rotate kids through different activities in a single visit.

The park has two entrances. The East Entrance off Tyler Street includes a parking lot sized for horse trailers, with watering stations for horses, a bicycle repair station, drinking fountain, and restrooms. The West Entrance off Pawnee Street has a smaller kids' playground, a picnic shelter, drinking fountain, and restrooms. Dogs are allowed on a leash, and pet drinking bowls are mounted on both water fountains.

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Botanica Wichita

Botanica Wichita

Wichita's botanical garden is a family picnic classic, with terrace seating, a koi pond pavilion, and the Downing Children's Garden on site.

  • Botanica
  • Gardens
  • Picnic
  • Downing Childrens Garden
  • Wichita
  • Outdoor

Botanica is the Wichita botanical garden at 701 Amidon St, a campus of themed beds and shade paths that pairs naturally with a family picnic. According to Wichita Mom's roundup of local picnic spots, the terrace is a great place to eat before venturing into the gardens, with the pavilion near the koi pond as a quieter second option on busy weekends.

Beyond the picnic blanket, families can wander into the Downing Children's Garden or stop by the children's library for a quiet reset. The grounds mix manicured flower beds with walking paths that keep both stroller-pushing parents and running kids happy. Botanica rotates its seasonal displays through the year, which gives repeat visits a reason of their own.

Botanica sits at 701 Amidon St, just across the Arkansas River from downtown Wichita. Hours and admission are not listed on the source page; check the garden's own site before you go, and bring a blanket because the benches and pavilion fill up quickly on warm spring and fall weekends.

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O J Watson Park

O J Watson Park

Forty acres of lake, playgrounds, and pony rides in south Wichita

  • Wichita
  • Public Park
  • Lake
  • Fishing
  • Playground
  • Picnic
  • Family

O J Watson Park is a sprawling public park anchored by a 40-acre lake. The lake draws visitors for recreational fishing and pedal boat outings. Around the water, the park layers in a miniature train ride, sand volleyball courts, a campfire circle, hayrack rides, and pony rides. Two playground areas give younger kids a place to burn off energy, and more than 100 picnic tables are scattered across the grounds on a first-come, first-served basis, with charcoal grills nearby.

It is the kind of all-in-one park that works for a family afternoon, a group reunion, or a quiet morning with the kids. The community facility and open shelters can be reserved for larger gatherings, and educational programs run alongside the recreation, so parents looking to mix play with a learning stop have options. The park concession stand is open during the spring, summer, and fall seasons.

The park welcomes visitors year-round, with the concession stand and pond fishing access running spring through fall. Admission is free, and the reservable shelters and charcoal grills make it easy to plan a full day outdoors.

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Auburn Hills at OJ Watson Park

Auburn Hills at OJ Watson Park

A new Wichita venue inside OJ Watson Park.

  • Wichita
  • Parks
  • Oj Watson Park
  • Auburn Hills
  • Event Venue
  • Wedding
  • Meetings
  • Golf

Auburn Hills is a newly completed event venue inside OJ Watson Park, one of Wichita's largest parks. According to the City of Wichita Parks and Recreation page, the modern facility is built to host wedding receptions, baby showers, business meetings and conventions, and is open all year.

The City lists state of the art amenities and a professional staff on site, plus a setting that includes a golf course and the Watson Park train. The pitch to hosts is straightforward: hand off the logistics and focus on the guests, whether the occasion is a wedding, a corporate retreat or a family reunion.

For smaller or more casual gatherings, Wichita Parks and Recreation also books open shelters across its parks. Auburn Hills sits within the same Watson Park grounds, giving hosts an indoor space with the park, the course and the train ride as a backdrop.

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Chapin Park

Chapin Park

  • Dog Park
  • Bike Trail
  • Walking Trail
  • Model Airplanes
  • Free

Chapin Park is a 190-acre regional park at Hydraulic and MacArthur on the north side of Wichita. According to the City of Wichita, the park features a mountain bike trail, a 6-foot wide gravel walking trail, a dog park, restrooms, parking lots, and a model airplane flying area used by the Wichita Radio Control Club.

The park is home to Arson Canine Ashley's Memorial Dog Park, the city's first dog park. Ashley was the first dog brought into the Wichita fire department's canine unit in 1994. Her work on fire scenes led to 33 felony arrests for arson, aggravated arson, and homicide, according to the city's listing. The model airplane field and the mountain bike trail give the park a range of uses beyond a standard green space.

Admission is free and parking is available on-site. The grounds work for both quick dog walks at Ashley's Memorial and longer rides along the bike trail, with restrooms on site. The city page does not list posted operating hours.

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Chisholm Creek Park - North

Chisholm Creek Park - North

A quiet Wichita park with a fishing lake and walking loop

  • Wichita
  • Park
  • Fishing
  • Walking
  • Chisholm Creek

Chisholm Creek Park - North is the northern portion of Wichita's Chisholm Creek Park System, sitting on the west side of Woodlawn just north of K-96, according to the City of Wichita facilities page. The park lists three amenities in the city directory: a fishing lake, parking, and a walking track.

The combination of a fishing lake and a walking loop gives visitors a choice between a cast-and-wait afternoon and a brisk stroll, with on-site parking simplifying a drop-in visit. According to the city directory, the space functions as open neighborhood green space within the larger Chisholm Creek corridor that runs through north Wichita. Anglers can settle in at the lake, while walkers can stretch out on the track without leaving the parking lot.

Chisholm Creek Park - North sits within a wider park system, so visitors looking to make a day of it can pair this stop with other sections of the creek. The City of Wichita facilities page does not list posted hours or admission details, so confirm before you go.

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Chisholm Greenway

Chisholm Greenway

A 10-acre greenway link in Wichita's north-side trail network.

  • Park
  • Greenway
  • Bike Trail
  • Mcadams Bike Path
  • Chisholm Creek

Chisholm Greenway is a 10.00-acre park tucked east of 28th Street North and Bluff in Wichita. According to the City of Wichita, the property was acquired with joint funding from the Wichita Park Alliance and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) moneys, and it is meant to serve as the nucleus of a greenway corridor running along Chisholm Creek. That corridor is planned to connect Chisholm Creek Park with Dr. Glen Dey Park, also known as Grove Park.

The main attraction is the McAdams Bike Path, which runs through the greenway and ties two of Wichita's busiest paved bike routes together: the Canal Hike and Bike Trail and the K-96 Bicycle Path. Riders and walkers can move from the canal path out toward the K-96 corridor without leaving paved trail. For families and casual cyclists looking for a flat, accessible ride through a developing creek-side green space, Chisholm Greenway is a quiet segment of a much larger north-side network.

The park sits east of 28th St. N. and Bluff. The city facility page does not list a street address, posted hours, or on-site amenities such as parking or restrooms, so visitors may want to confirm details with the City of Wichita before heading out.

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Cottonwood Park

Cottonwood Park

  • Park
  • Bike Trail
  • Wildlife Habitat
  • Gypsum Creek
  • Free
  • Outdoors
  • Wichita

Cottonwood Park is a 21-acre tract on Wichita's east side, managed by the city's Board of Park Commissioners. According to the City of Wichita, the land was donated to the Wichita Park, Recreation and Open Space Foundation by the Wichita Development Company in 1981, and the foundation later transferred title to the Board of Park Commissioners. The park has been designated a Wichita Wild Habitat area, making it one of the city's preserved natural spaces within the city limits.

Visitors will find a mix of amenities and natural features, including benches, a bike trail, the Gypsum Creek Bicycle Path, walking trails, and the Wichita Wild Habitat Area itself. The combination of paved bike infrastructure and undeveloped habitat makes it a flexible stop, equally good for a quick family ride, a long-distance cyclist looking to link into the Gypsum Creek Path, or a hiker interested in native prairie and local wildlife.

The park is open year-round and free to visit. Standard hours for Wichita parks are dawn to dusk. Parking is available on site, and the trails connect into the broader Gypsum Creek bicycle network for riders who want to extend their trip. Visitors should treat the wild habitat area as a preserve and stay on marked trails.

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Emery Memorial Park

Emery Memorial Park

A 30-acre Wichita park anchored by a lighted BMX track and a 42-foot picnic shelter.

  • Wichita
  • Park
  • Bmx
  • Playground
  • Picnic
  • Fishing
  • Basketball
  • Family

Emery Memorial Park is a 30.30-acre public park in Wichita, donated to the Board of Park Commissioners in 1955 by Julia Emery and Dr. Frank Emery in memory of their parents, Dr. and Mrs. F.W. Emery, on the condition that the land be used for public park and recreation purposes. The park honors Dr. Frank Woodward Emery (1863 to 1937), a prominent and successful physician from Winfield, Kansas, according to the City of Wichita facility listing.

The park's standout feature is the BMX bike track, built in 1987 by the Group Effort Associated for Races (GEAR). It is a lighted 1,250-foot track with a two-sided asphalt starting hill and concession stand, and the park also operates as the Wichita R/C Raceway. Beyond the racing scene, families will find a children's playground with a sand safety surface, a basketball and multi-use court, a bike trail, picnic tables, drinking fountains, fishing spots, and open green space for unstructured play.

Per the city facility page, the park has one paved parking lot with 72 stalls, plus one open picnic shelter 42 feet in diameter with lighting, electrical receptacles, a drinking fountain, and seven picnic tables. A restroom facility sits east of the shelter, and the shelter is available to rent through the city. Admission is free, and the grounds follow standard municipal park hours.

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Keeper of the Plains

Keeper of the Plains

  • Keeper Of The Plains
  • Ring Of Fire
  • The Troll
  • Outdoor
  • Public Art
  • River
  • Wichita
  • Uniquely Wichita

A 44-foot sculpture stands at the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas Rivers, according to the Wichita on the Cheap guide. The page lists the Keeper under its Uniquely Wichita originals, places the site frames as specific to the city, things you can't experience anywhere else in quite the same way.

The statue carries a nightly Ring of Fire lighting, according to the same source, and the Keeper is paired on the page with the Troll, a tucked-away piece of public art that the guide calls Wichita's best-kept secret, hidden near the statue. Finding the Troll, the guide writes, is half the fun.

Just down the Arkansas River corridor, the source highlights the Fountains at WaterWalk, a free choreographed show of water, lights, and music running Thursday through Sunday evenings from May through October. The Keeper itself does not list specific hours, address, or parking on the source page.

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Meadowlark Farm

Meadowlark Farm

Two thousand trees, twenty-plus apple varieties, just east of Wichita

  • You Pick
  • Orchard
  • Peaches
  • Apples
  • Strawberries
  • Rose Hill
  • Family Friendly

Meadowlark Farm is a pick-your-own fruit orchard in Rose Hill, Kansas, just east of Wichita. The farm's apple orchard alone covers more than 2,000 trees spread over 20 plus apple varieties, with many peach trees growing alongside. Strawberries ripen mid-May into early June, and the apple and peach season stretches from July into November, making it one of the longest you-pick windows in the Wichita area.

According to the Wichita on the Cheap roundup of you-pick farms, Meadowlark is a popular stop for families who want a low-fuss picking day. No appointments are needed, just show up during open hours and grab a bucket. The variety of fruit means you can come back multiple times across the season and pick something different on each visit, from summer peaches to fall apples ready around the start of the school year.

Meadowlark Farm is at 11249 SW 160th St., Rose Hill, KS 67133, and is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm. For the latest on what is ripe and any weather-related closures, call (316) 518-8907 or check their Facebook page before heading out.

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Families enjoying the lazy river and water slides at Rock River Rapids water park in Derby, Kansas

Rock River Rapids

Derby's summer water park, just south of Wichita

  • Derby
  • Water Park
  • Summer
  • Family
  • Swimming
  • Lazy River
  • Slides

Rock River Rapids is Derby's sprawling summer water park, drawing families from across the Wichita metro for a day of slides, splashing, and sun. Located just south of Wichita, the complex combines a zero-depth entry pool, a lap pool, twisting water slides, and a lazy river, with concessions on site for snacks and drinks between swims.

According to the Wichita on the Cheap guide, the park caters to a wide age range, from toddlers wading at the zero-depth pool to older kids and adults riding the larger slides. The venue typically operates daily during the summer season, with hours running from 12:30 to 7 p.m. Concessions are available inside, so families can spend a full afternoon without leaving the grounds.

Admission prices vary by age, and season passes are available for frequent visitors. The park has previously run a 'Five after Five' promotion dropping admission to $5 per person after 5 p.m., though that discount has not been confirmed for the current season, so check before you go. The address is 1900 E. James Street in Derby, just minutes off the Kansas Turnpike south of Wichita.

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Chisholm Creek Park

Chisholm Creek Park

Wichita's quietest paved prairie walk, tucked next to the Great Plains Nature Center

  • Walking
  • Trail
  • Tallgrass
  • Nature
  • Free
  • Paved
  • Northeast Wichita

Chisholm Creek Park hosts what Wichita on the Cheap calls "possibly one of the most pleasant walks in Wichita." The paved trail winds through native Kansas grasses, plants, and trees, giving walkers a tallgrass feel without leaving the city limits. It sits adjacent to the Great Plains Nature Center on the northeast side, per the source listing.

The path is short and gentle, making it a quick escape rather than an all-day outing. Because the trail cuts through restored prairie rather than manicured lawn, it pulls in birds and pollinators that you won't see on a typical neighborhood sidewalk. Bring a water bottle and a camera; leave bikes and pets at home, since the source notes they're not allowed on this particular trail.

The park entrance is at 6232 E. 29th Street North in northeast Wichita. Admission is free. The source does not list specific hours, so check the Great Plains Nature Center schedule before heading out. On-site parking is available at the trailhead.

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WSU Tech NICHE

WSU Tech NICHE

A downtown culinary campus the public can taste

  • Downtown
  • Culinary School
  • Food Hall
  • Cafe
  • Rooftop
  • Wichita

WSU Tech's National Institute for Culinary Hospitality Education, better known as NICHE, anchors downtown Wichita with a working culinary campus the public can actually visit. According to the WSU Tech website, the facility features state-of-the-art commercial kitchens, classrooms, and a demonstration kitchen, alongside three public-facing spaces: an open-to-the-public food hall, a student-run café, and a rooftop event center.

The food hall and café let diners taste what WSU Tech students are cooking while they're still in school, serving as a live window into the program's training. The rooftop event center adds a bookable downtown venue option for private gatherings. The culinary program itself offers an Associate of Applied Science (typically a two-year track), a Technical Certificate (one year), and a Certificate of Completion (under one semester) for aspiring chefs and hospitality professionals.

NICHE is located in downtown Wichita. A specific street address, food hall hours, and menu details were not listed on the source page; check the WSU Tech website or its social channels before visiting.

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Academy Arts District

Academy Arts District

A walkable Maize corridor built to gather, shop, play, and discover

  • Maize
  • Arts District
  • Academy Avenue
  • Walkable
  • Family
  • Amphitheater
  • Wichita Area

The Academy Arts District runs along Academy Avenue in Maize, a small city just west of Wichita. According to the City of Maize, the corridor stretches from Maize Road east to Cathey Street and was designed as a single walkable district that ties together residences, small businesses, places of worship, and civic landmarks. The streetscape project earned the Kansas Chapter of the American Public Works Association's 2024 Public Works Project of the Year in the Small Cities and Rural Counties category.

The district was built to celebrate community, family, creativity, and diversity, and the city describes it as a place to gather, shop, play, and discover. The east end from Maize Road to Queen Avenue is all single-family homes; the middle stretch between Queen and Park avenues mixes residences with houses of worship; and the section from Park Avenue to Khedive Street has become a small business hub with converted residences serving as shops. Past Khedive, the corridor turns civic, with Maize Central Elementary School, Maize City Park, the Community Building, and the Clair Donnelly Amphitheater anchoring the west end. Future plans call for gateway structures, with one slated for the Academy and Maize intersection.

Visiting the district is free. The street is open at all times, while individual businesses and the amphitheater keep their own hours for events and shopping. It works well as a casual afternoon stop, especially for families looking to combine a park visit with a little local browsing just outside Wichita.

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Century II Concert Hall

Century II Concert Hall

Wichita's flagship stage for Broadway, music, and comedy

  • Century Ii
  • Concert Hall
  • Broadway
  • Performing Arts
  • Live Music
  • Theater

Century II's Concert Hall is Wichita's flagship live performance venue, a 2,195-seat theater built for everything from touring Broadway productions to symphony concerts and stand-up sets. According to the Century II website, the room centers on a 49-foot-deep stage with a 60-foot-wide, 29-foot-tall proscenium, paired with state-of-the-art sound and lighting, an infrared assisted listening system, and a forestage lift that lets the stage flex to each show.

The hall has hosted an impressive slate of national tours. Touring shows listed on the venue's site include Hamilton, The Lion King, Wicked, Book of Mormon, and Six on the Broadway side, plus Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, Jerry Seinfeld, Matt Rife, and Leanne Morgan on the music and comedy side. Seating breaks down as 1,669 main-floor seats, 502 balcony seats, 24 box seats, and dedicated wheelchair-accessible seating on both the floor and in the boxes, with companion seats alongside.

The Concert Hall is part of the larger Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center campus, and it serves as a home stage for at least one of Wichita's own resident companies (the source page text is cut off before naming them). Tickets are sold per show through each tour's promoter; check the venue's calendar for current and upcoming performances. Box-office hours, street address, parking details, and a hero image were not provided on the source page, so confirm those on the venue's main site before you go.

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Kansas Aviation Museum

Kansas Aviation Museum

Where Kansas aviation history takes off

  • Aviation
  • Museum
  • Hall Of Fame
  • Aircraft Restoration
  • History
  • Wichita
  • Family
  • Mcconnell Afb

The Kansas Aviation Museum sits at the junction of South George Washington Boulevard and 31st Street South, right next to McConnell Air Force Base. The museum preserves the story of flight in the Sunflower State, from the earliest production aircraft to the much-revered Beechcraft Bonanza, with displays that trace how Kansas helped shape American aviation. According to the museum website, the collection covers civilian and military aircraft tied to Kansas history.

Inside, the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame honors Kansans whose contributions to aviation reached statewide or national significance. Dozens of volunteers spend countless hours restoring aircraft in-house, and visitors can see restoration work in progress. The museum's archives are a working collection of original documents, photographs, negatives, drawings, periodicals, and aircraft blueprints that researchers and curious guests can browse on-site.

The museum is open every day except Thursday, according to its website. Visitors will want to plan for at least a couple of hours to take in the aircraft and exhibits, and anyone with deep aviation research interests should reach out ahead of time about archive access. Parking is available on-site near the museum entrance.

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Kansas Aviation Museum

Kansas Aviation Museum

Wichita's home for aviation history, right next to McConnell

  • Aviation
  • Museum
  • Family
  • History
  • Military
  • Mcconnell

The Kansas Aviation Museum sits at 3350 South George Washington Boulevard in Wichita, at the intersection with 31st Street South, neighboring the west side of McConnell Air Force Base and Spirit AeroSystems. According to the museum's website, the building is easy to find and serves as a home for Wichita's deep aviation story, from early flight to modern manufacturing.

Per the museum's location page, visitors with AAA membership, active or retired military, aviation industry employees, first responders, and educators qualify for admission discounts. Discounts cannot be combined with Little Aviators or Special Event Pricing, and proof of eligibility is required at the door, the site notes.

The museum closes only on New Year's Day, Easter, July 4th, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, but hours can shift based on scheduled events, so visitors are encouraged to check Google, the museum's Facebook page, or alerts on the homepage before heading out. For more information, the museum can be reached at 316-683-9242.

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Kansas Aviation Museum

Kansas Aviation Museum

A working aviation museum and restoration hangar adjacent to McConnell AFB, preserving Kansas's contributions to U.S. flight.

  • Aviation
  • Museum
  • Wichita
  • Mcconnell
  • Hall Of Fame
  • History
  • Family

The Kansas Aviation Museum sits at the southeast edge of Wichita, where South George Washington Boulevard meets 31st Street South, just outside the gates of McConnell Air Force Base. Housed in a former military hangar, the museum tells the story of Kansas's outsized role in U.S. aviation, from some of the earliest production aircraft to general aviation icons still built in the state.

Inside, the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame honors Kansans whose contributions to flight reached statewide or national significance. A working restoration hangar, staffed by dozens of dedicated volunteers, brings dormant aircraft back to display condition, with projects ranging from the earliest production planes to the much-revered Beechcraft Bonanza. The on-site archives add depth, holding original documents, photographs, negatives, drawings, periodicals, and blueprints from across American aviation history.

The museum is open every day except Thursday, making it an easy anchor for a Wichita afternoon. Pair a visit with a drive past the McConnell flight line and you've got a half-day that's heavy on local character. According to the museum, admission and tour details are best confirmed on-site or by phone before you go.

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Kansas Aviation Museum

Kansas Aviation Museum

Wichita aviation museum with an outdoor ramp, restored aircraft, a Hall of Fame, and research archives.

  • Aviation
  • Museum
  • History
  • Wichita
  • Hall Of Fame
  • Outdoor
  • Family

The Kansas Aviation Museum sits at the southeast edge of McConnell Air Force Base, where South George Washington Boulevard meets 31st Street South in Wichita. According to the museum, the site celebrates Kansas' outsized role in aviation, with an outdoor ramp where visitors can get close to full-size aircraft and indoor galleries that round out the story. Restorations running in-house range from the earliest production aircraft to the much-revered Beechcraft Bonanza.

Dozens of skilled volunteers donate countless hours restoring aircraft so each one can take its place telling the story of Kansas aviation, the museum notes. The on-site Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame preserves the memory of extraordinary Kansas citizens whose contributions to aviation carried statewide or national significance. The archives are described as a gold mine for researchers, with original documents, photographs, negatives, drawings, periodicals, and blueprints of many historic aircraft.

The museum is open every day except Thursday. Admission details are not listed on the outdoor exhibits page, so visitors should check the museum's main site for current rates and exhibit hours. The setting next to an active Air Force base makes the ramp a natural stop for plane spotters and families looking for an unusual half-day outing in Wichita.

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Kansas Aviation Museum

Kansas Aviation Museum

Wichita's 1935 air terminal, now a hangar full of aviation history

  • Aviation
  • History
  • Art Deco
  • Wichita
  • Air Capital
  • Hall Of Fame
  • Family

The Kansas Aviation Museum sits inside one of Wichita's most striking historic buildings, a 1935 art deco airport terminal once walked by Charles Lindbergh and Kansas' own Amelia Earhart. The terminal was dedicated on March 31, 1935, after construction began in June 1930 and stalled during the financial pressures of the early Depression. Work resumed through New Deal and Works Progress Administration funding, and the upper control tower was added in 1941. Tower operators used red and green light guns to signal planes, and in 1944 Mary VanScyoc became the nation's first female air traffic controller on shift there. According to the museum, she spotted a burning hangar from the tower, grounded every flight, and closed the airport.

The museum opened inside the terminal on April 19, 1991, after volunteers spent years hauling debris out with wheelbarrows and shovels. Today it houses a world-class collection of restored, historically significant, and one-of-a-kind aircraft and aircraft engines, plus a sizable archive of records, schematics, books, and photos. Visitors can climb the 1941 control tower for views of McConnell Air Force Base, Boeing, and the museum's own ramp, and the building is also home to the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame. Volunteers continue to restore aircraft on site, and the museum is working toward a new display hangar and an expanded interior focused on aviation history, research, and education.

The terminal is leased from the City of Wichita and operated by the museum's Board of Trustees. Call ahead or check the museum website for current hours and admission before visiting.

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Kansas Aviation Museum

Kansas Aviation Museum

Wichita's home for the airplanes that built the industry.

  • Aviation
  • Museum
  • History
  • Group Tours
  • Wichita
  • Indoor

The Kansas Aviation Museum preserves the story of flight in a state that helped put airplanes in the sky. Housed in Wichita, the museum showcases historic aircraft, interactive displays, and rare artifacts drawn from the region's deep aviation roots. Visitors can explore the planes up close and learn how Kansas builders, designers, and pilots shaped the industry.

According to the museum's website, group tours are tailored specifically for adult visitors and led by knowledgeable guides who walk guests through the exhibits. Tours can be customized to fit a group's interests, whether that means spending extra time on a favorite aircraft, digging into Kansas's contributions to flight, or building a memorable outing for a club or organization. Groups of ten or more pay $6 per person, making it an affordable pick for civic clubs, retirement groups, and corporate field trips looking for something different.

Tours run by reservation, so planners should contact the museum to lock in a date, head count, and any customization requests. Because the visit is indoors, it works in any Kansas season, and the guided format makes it approachable for visitors who may not consider themselves aviation buffs.

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Kansas Aviation Museum

Kansas Aviation Museum

  • Aviation
  • Museum
  • History
  • Wichita
  • Mcconnell
  • Hall Of Fame

The Kansas Aviation Museum sits at the intersection of South George Washington Boulevard and 31st Street South in Wichita, right next to McConnell Air Force Base. According to the museum's website, the building preserves Kansas's deep aviation history through a working archive of original documents, photographs, negatives, drawings, periodicals, and aircraft blueprints, alongside an exhibit hall of restored planes.

Volunteers handle much of the aircraft restoration work, ranging from the earliest production aircraft to the iconic Beechcraft Bonanza. The museum also runs the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame, honoring citizens of the state whose contributions to aviation carry statewide or national significance, and maintains an oral history collection drawn from pilots, mechanics, and others who shaped the industry. Together, these collections make the museum a research stop as much as a sightseeing one.

Practical details: the museum is open every day except Thursday. Admission prices and exact daily hours were not listed on the oral histories page; visitors should check the museum's main website or call ahead before making the trip.

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Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame

Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame

Honoring Kansans who shaped aviation history

  • Aviation
  • Museum
  • Wichita
  • Hall Of Fame
  • History

The Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame, located inside the Kansas Aviation Museum in Wichita, honors Kansans whose contributions to aviation carried statewide or national weight. The hall preserves the memory of pilots, engineers, and other figures who shaped the state's aviation history, from barnstormers to test pilots to industry leaders.

Any Kansan inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame is automatically recognized here as well, making the exhibit a roll call of the biggest names connected to Kansas flight. For visitors tracing Wichita's Air Capital identity, the hall offers a focused way to connect the people to the planes and the policies that lifted them off the ground.

The Hall of Fame sits within the Kansas Aviation Museum, which occupies the former Wichita Municipal Airport terminal, a building tied to early commercial flight. Visitors can pair the hall with the museum's collection of aircraft, exhibits on Kansas-born aviation companies, and rotating displays. Plan about 30 minutes for the hall itself, and budget more time for the full museum.

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Kansas Aviation Museum

Kansas Aviation Museum

Wichita's hangar of Sunflower State flight history

  • Wichita
  • Aviation
  • Museum
  • History
  • Family
  • Mcconnell
  • Hall Of Fame

The Kansas Aviation Museum in Wichita preserves the story of flight in the Sunflower State, from the earliest production aircraft to icons like the Beechcraft Bonanza. Located adjacent to McConnell Air Force Base at the intersection of South George Washington Boulevard and 31st Street South, the museum anchors a stretch of the city with deep roots in aviation. Inside, visitors find a working restoration hangar, a Hall of Fame gallery, and an archive of original documents, photographs, negatives, drawings, periodicals, and aircraft blueprints.

Dozens of volunteers keep the restoration program running, donating countless hours to returning aircraft to display condition, according to the museum. The Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame honors Kansans whose contributions to aviation reached statewide or national significance, giving the museum a civic dimension alongside its hangar full of planes. The archives are described by the museum itself as a gold mine for researchers tracing U.S. and global aviation history.

The museum is open every day except Thursday. A current promotion lets users of the Sunflower Summer app pick up a membership at 50 percent off through August 2, a practical way to support the restoration program. General admission pricing was not listed on the membership page reviewed, so check the museum's site before visiting.

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Kansas Aviation Museum

Kansas Aviation Museum

Wichita's hangar of flight history

  • Aviation
  • Museum
  • Wichita
  • History
  • Hall Of Fame
  • Mccconnell

The Kansas Aviation Museum sits at the intersection of South George Washington Boulevard and 31st Street South in Wichita, right next to McConnell Air Force Base. It preserves the story of aviation in a state that built more aircraft than any other, with hangared aircraft and exhibits that walk visitors through Kansas's outsized role in flight. According to the museum's own site, the collection is maintained by dozens of dedicated volunteers who treat each restoration as its own long-running project.

The museum's Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame honors citizens whose contributions to aviation reached statewide or national significance. Volunteer craftspeople spend thousands of hours restoring everything from the earliest production aircraft to the iconic Beechcraft Bonanza. The on-site archives hold original documents, photographs, negatives, drawings, periodicals, and aircraft blueprints, making the museum a research stop as much as a sightseeing one for aviation fans, students, and working historians.

The museum is open every day except Thursday. Admission details and tour information are listed on the museum's website, and parking is available on site. The location off George Washington Boulevard makes it a quick stop from anywhere in Wichita and an easy add-on to a day exploring the McConnell area.

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Restored aircraft on display inside the Kansas Aviation Museum

Kansas Aviation Museum

Where Wichita's wings hang in history

  • Aviation
  • Museum
  • Family
  • History
  • Wichita
  • Hall Of Fame
  • Mcconnell

The Kansas Aviation Museum sits at the intersection of South George Washington Boulevard and 31st Street South, adjacent to McConnell Air Force Base on Wichita's south side. The museum tells the story of how Wichita became the Air Capital of the World, with dozens of restored aircraft on display, from early production planes to the much revered Beechcraft Bonanza. Visitors can get close to the real machines that put the city on the aviation map.

Inside, the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame honors Kansans whose work shaped flight on a statewide or national scale. A volunteer crew of mechanics and historians spends countless hours restoring aircraft so they can take their place on the floor, according to the museum's website. The archives are a quieter draw, holding original documents, photographs, negatives, drawings, periodicals, and blueprints of historic aircraft, a genuine gold mine for researchers and curious visitors alike.

The museum is open every day except Thursday, per the venue's site. Admission prices and specific daily hours should be confirmed before visiting. The site also hosts a calendar of family programming, including the annual Girls in Aviation Day and evening talks featuring Kansas aviators like Jessie Woods.

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Museum of World Treasures

Museum of World Treasures

History you can touch, see, and ask about

  • Museum
  • History
  • Education
  • Wichita
  • Family
  • Field Trips
  • Hands On

The Museum of World Treasures in Wichita invites visitors to come face-to-face with artifacts and complete hands-on activities rather than read about history from a textbook. According to the museum's education page, history is more fun when guests can engage directly with the objects on display. The museum's stated goal is to inspire lifelong learning among visitors both young and old, with museum professionals on hand to field questions throughout every visit.

At the heart of the museum's education work is the Education Resource Center, which invites groups to drop the textbooks and immerse themselves in history as they journey through time. The center provides extensive resources to plan visits and guide students through an educational tour. Offerings include field trips, youth programs, family nights, camp-ins, and other educational opportunities that turn a typical museum visit into an interactive learning experience.

Families, schools, and youth groups can all find a program that fits at the museum. Group visits can be planned through the Education Resource Center, which provides extensive resources to walk organizers through a tour. Contact the museum directly for current admission prices, hours, and to schedule a group visit.

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Rock River Rapids Aquatic Park

Rock River Rapids Aquatic Park

A full-service aquatic park with a 50-meter Olympic pool, lazy river, water slides, swim lessons, and lifeguard certification classes near Wichita.

  • Water Park
  • Swimming
  • Aquatic Park
  • Family
  • Lifeguard
  • Swim Lessons
  • Olympic Pool
  • Lazy River

Rock River Rapids Aquatic Park is a full-service water park located about 11.3 miles from the city of Wichita. According to its listing on Three Best Rated, the facility features a full-sized 50-meter Olympic lap pool, a lazy river, water slides, and other splash rides for cooling off on hot summer days. The park is staffed with supervisors and a security officer, and includes concessions, lockers, a bathhouse, and a gift counter so visitors can settle in for a full day of play.

Beyond recreation, Rock River Rapids offers American Red Cross Lifeguard and Water Safety Classes and Certifications throughout the year, and swimming lessons are offered during the summer months. The Olympic-sized lap pool accommodates both personal workouts and local swim meets. The park's 2026 highlights also list two different party packages for birthdays and other special events, making it a flexible spot for group outings.

The park sits roughly 11 miles from Wichita. The source page does not list a street address, daily operating hours, or admission prices, so those details should be confirmed on the park's own site before publication.

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Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour Comes to Wichita

Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour Comes to Wichita

Adventure films from 40 countries, one Wichita night.

  • Banff
  • Film Festival
  • Orienteering
  • Adventure
  • Climbing
  • Orheum
  • Downtown Wichita

The Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour is coming to the Wichita Orpheum Theatre, presented locally by Bliss Climbing and Fitness and powered by Wichita SCHEELS. The touring program brings a curated slate of adventure and mountaineering films to Wichita audiences as part of an international celebration rooted in the original Banff Festival of Mountaineering Films, according to the Orpheum event listing.

The festival traces its origin to 1976, when a tight-knit group of climbers and outdoor enthusiasts in Banff, Alberta organized the first Banff Festival of Mountaineering Films as a one-day gathering. That small start grew into the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival, one of the most respected mountain film gatherings in the world. More than thirty years ago, organizers launched an outreach program to bring the festival to other communities, and that effort has since grown into the World Tour.

Today the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour reaches more than 40 countries and brings mountain films to an audience of over 550,000 in approximately 550 locations worldwide, according to the festival's organizers. The Wichita stop connects international adventure filmmaking with local outdoor culture through Bliss Climbing and Fitness, the local presenting partner, and SCHEELS, the local powering sponsor.

Showtimes, ticket prices, and the exact screening date for the Wichita engagement were not listed on the event page at the time of this report and should be confirmed directly with the Wichita Orpheum Theatre box office or the event page at wichitaorpheum.com. Films are appropriate for a general audience and run as a single program of short films, with the typical running time allowing for a half-evening at the theater.

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Greater Wichita YMCA Gymnastics

Greater Wichita YMCA Gymnastics

  • Gymnastics
  • Youth Sports
  • Fitness
  • Ymca
  • Classes

The Greater Wichita YMCA offers gymnastics classes built around strength, flexibility, and balance, with dedicated coaching on Floor, Beam, Vault, and Bars. According to the Y's website, the program is designed to develop proper technique and form for gymnasts of all ages and skill levels, from first-timers learning a forward roll to more advanced athletes working on complex routines.

YMCA members get free access to the Gymnastics World channel on YMCA360, so gymnasts can practice and advance their skills anytime, anywhere. For one-on-one attention, private and semi-private lessons are available and tailored to each participant's individual needs, whether they are new to the beam or already soaring through the air. The Y directs interested families to speak with the membership desk at their local branch to sign up.

Classes run through the Y's year-round programming calendar, so families can drop in for a session or commit to a full term. Because gymnastics is offered across multiple Greater Wichita YMCA branches, the best first step is to contact your nearest location for current class schedules, registration windows, and any program fees.

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City Hall

50 items · Civic notices — council meetings, road closures, permits, public hearings.

Wichita's Golf Board of Governors Meets Monday at 135th Street

Wichita's Golf Board of Governors Meets Monday at 135th Street

Wichita's Golf Board of Governors holds its regular monthly meeting on Monday, October 19, 2026, from 4 to 6 PM at 443 S 135th Street.

  • Golf
  • Board Meeting
  • City Hall
  • Parks And Rec
  • West Wichita

The Golf Board of Governors will hold its next regular meeting on Monday, October 19, 2026, from 4 to 6 PM, according to the City of Wichita's online event calendar. The listing pins the meeting to 443 S 135th Street, Wichita, KS 67235, on the city's west side. The same entry notes that the board gathers the third Monday of each month from 4 to 6 PM, marking this as a regularly scheduled, recurring meeting rather than a one-off session.

City boards of this kind typically run on a fixed monthly schedule, with meetings open to public attendance. Residents are usually welcome to take a seat, listen to discussion items, and join any public comment portion of the agenda. The 4 to 6 PM start fits after-work hours, so residents with day jobs can attend without taking time off, and the two-hour cap on the meeting means there is a clear end time for anyone planning around dinner or family schedules.

The third-Monday cadence gives Wichitans a recurring monthly opportunity to engage with the board in person at the same address and time slot. Anyone who cannot make the October 19 meeting has a near-term follow-up next month at the same 4 to 6 PM window, per the city's listing, which makes planning around attendance straightforward. Showing up even once a quarter is usually enough for a resident to get a feel for how the board operates and what kinds of items come before it.

Practical details: the meeting runs 4 to 6 PM on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 443 S 135th Street, Wichita, KS 67235. The city's calendar listing does not include a posted agenda, contact phone, or parking note, so anyone planning to attend may want to check the City of Wichita Parks and Recreation page on wichita.gov closer to the date for any updates or last-minute changes.

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Wichita Boil Water Advisory Rescinded After All 195 Tests Come Back Clear

Wichita Boil Water Advisory Rescinded After All 195 Tests Come Back Clear

Clear tests, cleared water, back to normal use.

  • Boil Water Advisory
  • Public Safety
  • Water
  • Storm
  • Kdhe
  • Public Works
  • City Council

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded the boil water advisory for the City of Wichita after all 195 water test results came back clear and free of contamination, according to the city's Civic Alert. The advisory was issued early Wednesday morning, September 16, 2026, after a loss of pressure in the water system caused by a generator failure during Tuesday night's storm. Power was lost at the main water treatment plant and the Hess pump station. Water samples were collected from testing locations throughout the system on Wednesday, and city staff and KDHE reviewed the results Thursday afternoon following the required 24-hour bacteria incubation period. KDHE determined that conditions that could have placed the system at risk of contamination had been resolved, and the boil advisory was lifted.

"We're thrilled to clear everyone and want to assure the community that our water is safe and cleared for normal use and consumption," City Manager Marstall said in the city's announcement. "I'd like to thank our Public Works staff and KDHE for working quickly to test our water and ensure that our water is safe for our residents." Public Works and Utilities Director Gary Janzen added that the safety of water customers is the city's highest priority, and he thanked the community for patience and perseverance throughout the event. The city is continuing to investigate the cause of the generator power failure and will review procedures intended to prevent a similar multi-failure power outage in the future.

Although no contamination was found, Wichita water customers are encouraged to turn on the cold water tap at all faucets and run the water until they feel a change in temperature, meaning the water gets noticeably colder. This will help remove air trapped in the pipes and clear out stagnant water. Residents within the city may now resume normal water use, including drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, and preparing food. Water used for bathing did not need to be boiled during the advisory, though the city reminded parents to supervise children so water was not ingested.

Wholesale water utilities that use Wichita water should contact their municipality for guidance on their own boil advisories. The city collected samples near the point of connection for wholesale customers, but per regulation, those utilities are responsible for testing their own systems. Customers in those areas should continue following local boil water guidance until notified otherwise. The city's after-action review presentation, given at the September 22, 2026 City Council Workshop, is available on the CivicAlerts page for residents who want to see the full debrief. Updates and FAQs remain posted at Wichita.gov/alert.

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1st Street Bridge Closed for Replacement, Detour Runs Through 2027

1st Street Bridge Closed for Replacement, Detour Runs Through 2027

  • Bridge
  • Infrastructure
  • Detour
  • City Hall
  • Arkansas River
  • Construction
  • Road Closure

The 1st Street bridge over the Arkansas River in Wichita is closed to all traffic while the existing span is replaced, according to a City of Wichita Civic Alert. The closure affects both drivers and pedestrians, and the city has set up a detour along Douglas Avenue that uses McLean Boulevard and Waco Street to move traffic around the work zone on either side of the river. Anyone who has relied on the bridge as part of a regular route will need to adjust while the work is underway.

The replacement is being driven by the age and condition of the existing structure. According to the city, concrete and other infrastructure materials have a finite life, and the current span has reached the point where replacement is the safer option for the pedestrians and cars that use it every day. The city is treating the project as a long-term fix rather than another round of short-term repairs, which means a longer closure but a bridge designed to last for decades to come.

As part of the construction, the water level of the Arkansas River has been lowered in the project area. The drawdown is meant to give crews working space to build the new bridge and to handle any work that touches the riverbed or the piers. Anyone who spends time along the river in this stretch, whether walking the paths, riding bikes, fishing from the banks, or putting a boat in the water, should expect changed conditions until the project is finished.

Drivers who normally cross the river on 1st Street are being asked to follow the posted detour along Douglas Avenue, using McLean Boulevard and Waco Street to reconnect with 1st Street on the far side. The detour will add time to daily commutes, and city staff are asking drivers to plan ahead, allow extra minutes, and pay attention to the new traffic patterns in the area. Other nearby river crossings remain open during the work and can be used by anyone looking for the quickest alternative.

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Quentin Street closes Saturday for Blessed Sacrament Oktoberfest

Quentin Street closes Saturday for Blessed Sacrament Oktoberfest

One block, one day, one parish Oktoberfest.

  • Street Closure
  • Oktoberfest
  • Blessed Sacrament
  • Road Closure
  • Wichita Events
  • Quentin Street

A street closure on Quentin Street is set for Saturday, September 26, 2026, to accommodate Blessed Sacrament's Oktoberfest. According to the City of Wichita's official events calendar, the closure runs from Douglas Avenue south to the property line of 132 Quentin Street, with the restriction taking effect at 7 a.m. and lasting through the day. The notice was posted to wichita.gov as part of the city's running list of road permits and event-related traffic impacts across town. It is one of several seasonal street closures the city tracks each fall as parishes, schools, and neighborhood groups host outdoor events.

The closure turns the affected stretch of Quentin into a pedestrian-only festival space for the day, giving organizers room to set up tents, tables, and event infrastructure on the street itself. Events like this typically feature German food, beer, live music, and family activities, with proceeds going back into parish programs and community outreach. The early 7 a.m. start time gives crews the morning window to set up barricades and signage before attendees arrive later in the day.

Drivers who normally use Quentin as a cut-through between Douglas Avenue and surrounding residential streets will need to find an alternate route for the duration of the festival. The closure covers the block from Douglas south to the southern property line of 132 Quentin, so only the northernmost segment of the street is affected. Through-traffic should plan around the closure window, and neighbors needing driveway access within the closed zone should plan ahead, since barricades go up at 7 a.m. and stay in place throughout the event. Emergency vehicles are granted access through any active closure as a matter of standard city policy.

Parking along Quentin will be unavailable once the closure begins, so attendees should expect to park on side streets a block or two away and walk in. Bike and pedestrian access to the festival will remain open throughout the day. Anyone with questions about access, deliveries, or special needs during the closure window can reach out to Blessed Sacrament directly. The City of Wichita's events calendar remains the official source for the road closure notice itself, including any schedule changes due to weather.

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Advance Plans Committee Special Meeting Set for September 24

Advance Plans Committee Special Meeting Set for September 24

Public welcome at the downtown planning committee session

  • Planning
  • City Hall
  • Public Meeting
  • Advance Plans Committee
  • Downtown Wichita

The Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Department has scheduled a special meeting of the Advance Plans Committee for Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 10 a.m., according to the City of Wichita calendar. The meeting will be held in person on the second floor of the Ronald Reagan Building, in Conference Room #203, located at 271 West 3rd Street North in downtown Wichita.

Residents who want to weigh in on agenda items can submit written comments by email or letter to the Planning Department. According to the meeting notice, comments must be received by 5 p.m. one day before the meeting to be considered. Each submission should identify the agenda item it addresses and be limited to roughly three minutes' worth of reading time. Submissions received after the deadline will not be included, per Planning staff policy. Comments can be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to the Planning Department, Attn: Scott Wadle, 271 W. 3rd Street, Suite 201, Wichita, KS 67202.

Anyone who needs accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act is asked to contact Planning staff at least one week before the meeting. Phone: 316-268-4421. Fax: 316-858-7764. There is no virtual public comment option, but the meeting will be livestreamed and recorded on the Wichita-Sedgwick County Planning YouTube channel for remote viewing only, according to the City of Wichita.

The meeting is free and open to the public. Attendees should plan to arrive a bit early to allow time to reach the second-floor conference room. Free parking is available in nearby downtown garages and metered street spaces within walking distance of the Ronald Reagan Building. The advance plans agenda will be posted on the Planning Department's website prior to the meeting.

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Two Wichita road projects kick off August 26

Two Wichita road projects kick off August 26

Two projects, one start date

  • Wichita
  • Road Construction
  • Douglas Avenue
  • 21st Street
  • Bike Lanes
  • Pedestrian Safety
  • Traffic

The City of Wichita will launch two road projects on Wednesday, August 26, with construction crews fanning out across Douglas Avenue and 21st Street the same day. The Douglas Avenue pilot project runs from Washington to Grove and is expected to last through September for initial construction, with a six-month pilot period to follow. On the same date, 21st Street will close to eastbound traffic between Park Place and Market for roughly six weeks while the City upgrades the road and its adjacent pedestrian infrastructure. Both projects are designed to make Wichita streets safer and more accessible, according to the City.

The Douglas Avenue pilot will temporarily reconfigure the corridor to a three-lane roadway, with one travel lane in each direction and a center turn lane. Other changes include on-street bicycle lanes, curb extensions, parking modifications, enhanced crosswalks, and updated pavement markings and signage. During the six-month evaluation, City staff will collect pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle counts, monitor intersections for signal-timing adjustments, and track vehicle speed and travel-time data. The findings will shape a final recommendation for the corridor to the City Council.

The 21st Street closure affects eastbound drivers only. The posted detour runs south on Waco to 13th Street, east on 13th Street to Broadway, and north on Broadway back to 21st Street. Improvements there include road work plus upgrades to the adjacent pedestrian infrastructure. On Douglas, construction or lane reductions between I-135 and Grove will happen during evenings and weekends to limit conflicts with school traffic.

There is no cost to residents for either project, though both will require patience. Drivers who regularly use eastbound 21st Street between Park Place and Market should plan alternate routes for the next six weeks. Drivers, walkers, and cyclists along Douglas Avenue between Washington and Grove should expect a new layout through the pilot period. The City notes that construction and temporary traffic changes can create inconveniences for residents, businesses, schools, and motorists along both corridors.

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Wichita Now Accepting 2026 Water Conservation Rebate Applications

Wichita Now Accepting 2026 Water Conservation Rebate Applications

Free showerheads, sink aerators, and rebates on bigger upgrades, all from the City of Wichita.

  • Water
  • Rebate
  • Conservation
  • City Of Wichita
  • Home Improvement
  • 2026
  • Utilities

The City of Wichita is now accepting 2026 applications for its Water Conservation Rebate Program, a yearly incentive that returns money to water customers who install qualifying water-saving devices. The application window opened February 1, 2026, according to the city's program page. To qualify, devices must be purchased between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026, and the rebate application must be postmarked no later than 90 days after the purchase date.

The list of eligible items runs the full length of a typical home water bill. Indoor upgrades include dual flush converter kits, toilets, toilet repair kits, dishwashers, and clothes washers. Outside, the program covers hose faucet irrigation controllers, rain barrels, rain sensor shutoffs, smart irrigation controllers, and qualifying grasses and shrubs. The city publishes approved device lists for several categories, including smart irrigation controllers and hose/faucet irrigation controllers, so shoppers should check the PDF before buying to confirm that their pick is on the list. For Wichita homeowners planning a kitchen or bathroom refresh, a yard upgrade, or just a single low-flow swap, the rebate calendar now matters as much as the cart.

Residents who do not want to commit to a big-ticket upgrade can still take home something free. While supplies last, City of Wichita water customers can pick up a free low-flow shower head or sink aerator at the City Hall information desk, any Wichita Public Library location, or a City of Wichita neighborhood resource center. No purchase, no form, and no rebate filing required. Rebate applications, on the other hand, come in two flavors: an online form on the rebate page and a 2026 printable PDF that residents can mail in. For general questions about the program, the conservation office can be reached at 316-268-4470 or by email, both listed on the city's rebate page.

A few practical notes from the program page. The postmark deadline is 90 days after each individual purchase, not 90 days after December 31, so a dishwasher bought in October still has time to file in January. The program applies to City of Wichita water customers specifically; residents outside the service area should confirm eligibility before buying. For homeowners with a different kind of water worry, the city's partnership with MABCD's Code Enforcement Liaison Program helps qualified homeowners address potential water leak repairs at 316-265-1300. Approved device lists for hose/faucet irrigation controllers and smart irrigation controllers are linked right on the rebate page, which is the single best place to start before heading to the hardware store.

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Haysville Historic Committee Sets Five 2026 Meeting Dates at City Hall

Haysville Historic Committee Sets Five 2026 Meeting Dates at City Hall

  • Haysville
  • Historic Committee
  • City Council
  • Public Meetings
  • 2026
  • City Hall

The Haysville Historic Committee will hold five meetings in 2026, with sessions set for 5:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of February, April, August, October, and November, according to the city's website. The first gathering of the year is scheduled for February 17 at City Hall, 200 West Grand in Haysville. Subsequent meetings fall on April 21, August 18, October 20, and November 17, all at the same time and location. The published calendar does not list sessions in January, March, May, June, July, September, or December, leaving the year open around summer break and the winter holidays.

The committee works with the City Council, Park Board, and Planning Commission to promote the educational, cultural, economic, and general welfare of the Haysville community, per the city's published description. Members serve a mix of at-large and designee roles, giving residents a direct channel to weigh in on local preservation and heritage matters that fall outside the city's regular operations. The panel's work complements the Planning Commission and Park Board by keeping a focus on the community's history and identity as Haysville grows and changes.

Nine members currently sit on the panel. Nicole Franken, Kyle Boe, Teresa Wilson, Brooke Aziere (vice chair), Wanda Gilmere, and Lyn Worrell serve as at-large members. Danny Walters is the mayor's designee, Debbie Coleman represents the Planning Commission, and Ken Bell is the Park Board's designee. The full roster is published on the city's website and may shift as new appointments are made during the year, with replacements announced through standard city council channels when seats open up.

Meetings are open to the public and held at City Hall, 200 West Grand, starting at 5:30 p.m. on each scheduled date. For more information, contact Kailyn Hogan at 529-5900, per the city's website. Residents interested in local history, heritage, and preservation are encouraged to attend and participate in the public comment portions of each session. No registration is required to join, and meetings are free to attend.

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Bel Aire backflow device test reports due June 1

Bel Aire backflow device test reports due June 1

Bel Aire backflow tests are due every even-numbered year by June 1

  • Backflow
  • Bel Aire
  • Irrigation
  • Deadline
  • Water Safety
  • City Code

Homeowners in Bel Aire with irrigation systems connected to the city's public water supply need to get their backflow prevention devices tested and submit reports to the city by June 1, 2026, according to the Bel Aire city website. Bel Aire city code requires testing every even-numbered year by a certified technician licensed to do business in the city. The June 1 deadline for submitting test reports applies during each testing year, and 2026 qualifies as an even-numbered testing year. Reports go to the city's Planning and Zoning Department once the technician completes the inspection.

Backflow prevention devices are plumbing assemblies that keep fertilizers, pesticides, and other lawn chemicals from flowing backward into the public drinking water distribution system. Without a working device, anything sprayed or applied to a lawn could end up in the city's water supply and affect neighbors and the broader community. The requirement is rooted in federal and state safe drinking water law, not just Bel Aire's own code, which is why the city is required by law to enforce the testing program. Maintaining these devices in proper working condition is mandatory, the city says, because water safety depends on every property owner doing their part.

Tests must be performed by a certified backflow technician licensed to do business in Bel Aire. The city maintains a current list of licensed contractors on its website, and the list is updated throughout the testing year. As the June 1 deadline approaches, contractor availability may be limited, so the city encourages homeowners to schedule testing well in advance rather than wait until the last minute. If a device fails inspection, it must be rebuilt or replaced before the system is back in compliance with city code. Rebuilds are only required when a device fails, not as routine maintenance. The City of Bel Aire notes that fines and penalties can be assessed for noncompliance, which is another reason to get the test done on time.

Questions about backflow testing can be directed to the Planning and Zoning Department at (316) 744-2451. Homeowners who no longer use their irrigation systems have another option: they can apply to permanently disconnect the system from the public water supply. Once the system is disconnected, capped to city specifications, and inspected by the city, future backflow testing requirements are waived entirely. Homeowners may do the disconnection themselves, provided city specifications are followed, but they must report the work to the city for inspection and recordkeeping. To schedule a disconnection inspection, contact the Building and Zoning Inspector at the same number, (316) 744-2451. Contractors interested in being added to the city's licensed contractor list can visit the Licensed Contractors page to access the online portal.

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Bel Aire to Convert 53rd and Woodlawn to Four-Way Stop

Bel Aire to Convert 53rd and Woodlawn to Four-Way Stop

Bel Aire will convert the 53rd and Woodlawn intersection to a four-way stop starting August 10, with blinking LED signs, fresh pavement markings, and stop ahead signage.

  • Bel Aire
  • Traffic
  • Road Safety
  • Intersection
  • Four Way Stop
  • City Hall

The City of Bel Aire will convert the intersection of 53rd Street and Woodlawn into a four-way stop beginning August 10, according to a civic alert posted on the city's website. The change is intended to improve safety at the crossing and help reduce the risk of future accidents, city officials said in the notice.

Four-way stops require every vehicle, regardless of the direction it is traveling, to come to a complete stop before proceeding through the intersection. That uniform slowdown tends to reduce the severity of crashes by lowering speeds and giving drivers more time to spot conflicting traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians before they enter the crossing. The city's alert frames the change as a response to safety concerns at this specific intersection, where leaders believe a more restrictive traffic pattern will lower crash risk going forward.

The upgrade will be hard to miss once it goes in. According to the city, crews will install blinking LED stop signs facing all four approaches and lay down fresh pavement markings so the new pattern is clear even at night or in heavy rain. Stop ahead signs will also be added on each approach to give drivers advance notice before they reach the intersection. The flashing beacons are meant to catch the eye of regular commuters who might otherwise drive on autopilot through a familiar crossing, particularly in the first days after the switch takes effect.

Motorists who travel 53rd Street or Woodlawn should plan for a brief adjustment period once the change takes effect on August 10. Expect short delays during the first few commutes as drivers get used to stopping from every direction, and leave extra space between vehicles at the intersection until the new rhythm feels routine. Pedestrians should also notice more predictable gaps in traffic, since every approaching vehicle will now be required to come to a full stop. The civic alert does not specify whether flaggers or police will be present during the changeover, so drivers should treat the intersection as a four-way stop the moment the new signs are uncovered.

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Bel Aire Paving Shifts From Woodlawn to Rock Road Starting July 1

Bel Aire Paving Shifts From Woodlawn to Rock Road Starting July 1

Woodlawn done, Rock Road next on Bel Aire's 2026 paving schedule

  • Bel Aire
  • Road Work
  • Paving
  • Rock Road
  • Woodlawn
  • Traffic Alert
  • 2026 Street Maintenance Project

Crews are finishing paving on Woodlawn today (June 30) and will shift to Rock Road between 45th and 53rd Streets starting July 1, according to the City of Bel Aire. Kansas Paving, the contractor on the 2026 Street Maintenance Project, is wrapping up operations on Woodlawn later in the day and will move directly into Rock Road the next morning, the city's CivicAlerts page says. Bel Aire drivers who use either corridor should expect the work zone to relocate overnight.

The 2026 Street Maintenance Project covers arterial stretches through Bel Aire, with Woodlawn between 45th and 53rd Streets the first segment tackled this round. Once Woodlawn is buttoned up, crews roll into Rock Road for the next phase of paving. The work is part of a broader effort to refresh pavement along Bel Aire's busiest corridors, and the segment-by-segment approach is meant to keep traffic moving while crews complete each stretch one block at a time.

During the Rock Road work, flaggers and a pilot car will be in place to direct traffic through the work zone, according to the city. Drivers should expect brief delays and one-lane travel patterns while crews lay down new asphalt. The pilot car will lead vehicles through the active paving zone in alternating directions, a common setup for two-lane resurfacing jobs that keeps both workers and motorists safe during the cure.

The city is asking motorists to give crews extra room and proceed slowly through the area. Watch for workers on foot, flaggers at each end of the active zone, and shifting lane configurations as the paving train moves along Rock Road. If you commute through the corridor, plan for added travel time and consider an alternate route if possible. The CivicAlerts notice does not list a specific end date for the Rock Road segment, so check the city's website for updates as the work progresses.

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Chisholm Creek Utility Authority Sets September 24 Meeting in Bel Aire

Chisholm Creek Utility Authority Sets September 24 Meeting in Bel Aire

Bel Aire residents can drop in on regional utility business this September.

  • Bel Aire
  • Utility
  • City Hall
  • Public Meeting
  • Chisholm Creek
  • Sedgwick County

The Chisholm Creek Utility Authority will hold its next regular meeting on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. The session takes place at 7651 E. Central Park Ave. in Bel Aire, Kansas, according to the City of Bel Aire's online calendar. Bel Aire serves as the host site for the regional authority, which oversees water and wastewater service across multiple Sedgwick County communities that participate in the joint utility. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

The Chisholm Creek Utility Authority is a joint municipal entity, formed to manage shared water and sewer infrastructure for Bel Aire and its neighboring service-area partners. The board convenes periodically to discuss operational matters, capital improvement projects, rate adjustments, and intergovernmental agreements between member cities. Agendas are usually published ahead of each meeting on the authority's website or through the participating cities, and meeting minutes are made available after each session for public review and archiving.

For Bel Aire residents, these meetings are the main public forum for utility oversight in the area. Decisions made by the authority directly affect monthly water bills, service reliability, and the timing of major infrastructure upgrades across the service area. Attending in person is one of the few ways for residents to hear the discussion firsthand, ask questions of staff and board members, and speak during any scheduled public comment period at the close of the agenda. It is also a chance to see how representatives from neighboring cities weigh in on shared concerns.

The September 24 meeting is open to the public at no charge. It begins at 4:30 p.m. at 7651 E. Central Park Ave., Bel Aire, KS 67226. Anyone planning to attend should check the City of Bel Aire website or the Chisholm Creek Utility Authority page closer to the date for the published agenda, supporting documents, and any schedule updates. As with most municipal meetings, public comment may be limited to a defined window near the end of the agenda, so early arrival is recommended for anyone hoping to address the board.

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Clearwater Municipal Court Shifts to Afternoon Sessions Starting July 1

New time, same court, different part of town.

When
Wed, Jul 01 · 1:00 PM – 10:30 AM
Where
Clearwater Municipal Court
Tickets
Free / no ticket
  • Clearwater
  • Municipal Court
  • City Hall
  • Public Notice
  • Schedule Change

Clearwater Municipal Court will move from its longstanding 6 pm evening slot to a 3:30 pm afternoon session, with the new schedule taking effect July 1, 2026. According to a public notice posted on the city's website dated April 29, 2026, the court will convene on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month at 3:30 pm beginning that day. The change ends years of evening sessions and shifts appearances squarely into the standard workday rather than the dinner hour. For residents with a ticket, traffic citation, or other municipal case, that means planning around a midday break instead of an after-work trip to City Hall.

Anyone with an existing Clearwater Municipal Court summons, pending appearance, or scheduled hearing should double-check their date and time before showing up, since the old 6 pm slot no longer applies once July 1 rolls around. Cases previously set on the calendar under the old evening schedule will need to be re-confirmed under the new 3:30 pm window, per the city's announcement. The afternoon session is more typical of small Kansas municipal courts and lines up with normal daytime staffing at City Hall. Clearwater sits roughly 25 minutes southwest of Wichita, and the court's twice-a-month schedule keeps its caseload moving without an evening commitment from staff or defendants.

Clearwater Municipal Court will convene at 3:30 pm on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month, effective July 1, 2026. Because the new time falls during the regular workday, residents who work traditional 9-to-5 jobs may want to flag their appearance on a calendar well in advance and check with their employer about a short afternoon absence. Anyone uncertain about an existing case, fine, or hearing date can call the City of Clearwater or Sedgwick County court services for confirmation before the changeover. The first session under the new schedule is set for Wednesday, July 1, 2026.

There is no public admission fee to attend a court session; only those with scheduled matters are expected to appear. Standard municipal court procedures, dress, and conduct rules continue to apply. The new schedule will remain in effect until the city issues a further update through another public notice on clearwaterks.org.

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Clearwater Municipal Court moves to 3:30 pm starting July 1

Court is moving out of the dinner hour.

When
Wed, Jul 01 · 1:00 PM – 10:30 AM
Where
Clearwater City Hall
Tickets
Free / no ticket
  • Clearwater
  • Municipal Court
  • Public Notice
  • Sedgwick County
  • City Hall

The Clearwater Municipal Court is shifting its session start time from 6 pm to 3:30 pm effective July 1, 2026, according to a public notice posted by the City of Clearwater on its website. Court will now convene on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 3:30 pm at City Hall, replacing the previous 6 pm evening slot that had been in place for years. The earlier start time applies to every session going forward, and the city has flagged the change as a standing rule rather than a one-time adjustment.

The change puts court in the middle of the afternoon rather than the dinner hour, a shift that should give defendants, witnesses, and visitors more flexibility to handle their cases during the workday. Anyone holding an existing ticket or summons should double-check the date and time on their paperwork before showing up, since arriving at the old 6 pm slot would mean walking in after court has already ended for the day. The city posted the public notice on April 29, 2026, giving residents and anyone with business in the court roughly two months to adjust to the new schedule before it takes effect.

Clearwater is a small town in Sedgwick County just west of Wichita, and the municipal court handles lower-level offenses, traffic citations, and code enforcement matters within city limits. Moving sessions to 3:30 pm keeps the twice-a-month cadence but pulls the docket out of the evening rush, which should help people coming straight from work in Wichita or balancing school pickups closer to home. The earlier start may also shorten wait times for anyone trying to pay a fine or speak with the court clerk after a session wraps up.

Sessions are held at Clearwater City Hall. The new schedule takes effect July 1, 2026, with court convening at 3:30 pm on the first and third Wednesday of each month. There is no published cost to attend court itself, though fines and fees vary by case and can be confirmed with the city clerk. Anyone with questions about an existing appearance date, ticket, or the new schedule can contact the City of Clearwater directly through clearwaterks.org.

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Clearwater Municipal Court moves to 3:30 pm starting July 1

Court moves earlier this summer

When
Wed, Jul 01 · 1:00 PM – 10:30 AM
Where
Clearwater Municipal Court
Tickets
Free / no ticket
  • Clearwater
  • Municipal Court
  • Court
  • Public Notice
  • City Of Clearwater

Clearwater Municipal Court is changing its start time from 6 pm to 3:30 pm, effective July 1, 2026, according to a public notice posted on the City of Clearwater website. The court will meet on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month at 3:30 pm, replacing the previous evening schedule. The shift moves the twice-monthly session from after-work hours into the mid-afternoon, a notable change for anyone with an upcoming court date or planning to attend. For residents who typically drive past the courthouse after dinner on court nights, this is a meaningful adjustment to local rhythms.

The City of Clearwater posted the notice, dated April 29, 2026, on its Community Connection page, a section of the city website used for community updates. The change applies to all regularly scheduled Municipal Court sessions going forward, beginning with the first 3:30 pm sitting on July 1, 2026. Anyone who has been summoned or who plans to appear in court should adjust their calendars accordingly and confirm their appearance time. People who cannot make a 3:30 pm weekday afternoon because of work, school pickups, or other obligations should contact the court ahead of their scheduled date to ask about rescheduling options or alternative arrangements.

For local residents, the practical impact is straightforward: the 1st and 3rd Wednesday evenings each month are no longer court nights in Clearwater. Instead, those Wednesdays will feature afternoon sessions that start at 3:30 pm and run as the docket allows. The earlier start could benefit people who have trouble attending evening meetings because of work, childcare, or other obligations, while it may pose challenges for those whose jobs or commutes make a mid-afternoon appearance difficult. The change may also affect local businesses near the courthouse that have adjusted their hours around the previous 6 pm court schedule.

Court sessions will continue to take place at the Clearwater Municipal Court, located in Clearwater, Kansas. As of the July 1 effective date, anyone with a Clearwater Municipal Court matter should plan to arrive by 3:30 pm on the relevant Wednesday and bring any required paperwork. The City of Clearwater has not announced any additional changes to court procedures, fines, or dockets as part of the time change, so existing case schedules and payment expectations should remain the same aside from the new start time. For specific case information, residents should reach out to the Municipal Court clerk's office using the contact details listed on the city website.

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Clearwater Municipal Court Shifts to 3:30 pm on First and Third Wednesdays

Clearwater Municipal Court Shifts to 3:30 pm on First and Third Wednesdays

Clearwater Municipal Court shifts from 6 pm to 3:30 pm starting July 1, 2026, with sessions on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.

When
Wed, Jul 01 · 1:00 PM – 10:30 AM
Where
Clearwater Municipal Court
Tickets
Free / no ticket
  • Clearwater
  • Municipal Court
  • Public Notice
  • Court Schedule
  • Sedgwick County

Clearwater Municipal Court is moving from a 6 pm start time to a 3:30 pm start time, effective July 1, 2026, according to a public notice posted on the City of Clearwater website. Sessions will continue on the first and third Wednesdays of each month, but at the earlier afternoon slot rather than the evening block. The change was announced via a notice dated April 29, 2026, giving the city roughly two months to communicate the new schedule to residents, local attorneys, and anyone with pending court business in the small Sedgwick County community south of Wichita.

The new time gives residents a mid-afternoon option instead of an after-work evening appearance. For people who juggle day jobs, school pickups, or childcare, a 3:30 pm court time can be far easier to fit into a regular weekday than a 6 pm evening session. A 6 pm start had the benefit of catching working residents on their way home from work, but it also stretched the day for court staff and anyone driving in from outside town. The afternoon block compresses the trip for most people and removes the need to navigate after-hours traffic near City Hall.

Anyone with an existing court date after July 1 should expect the afternoon time unless they hear otherwise from the court. The first session under the new schedule will land on the first Wednesday in July, just days after the change takes effect. The notice itself appears on the city's "Major Community Events" page, which also flags the annual Christmas Celebration held on the first Saturday in December. That second item is a useful reminder that Clearwater maintains a small but steady calendar of recurring civic events, even if the only firm date tied to a specific month is the December gathering.

Clearwater Municipal Court convenes on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. The new 3:30 pm start time takes effect July 1, 2026, replacing the previous 6 pm evening sessions that had been standard. Anyone with questions or an upcoming court date can contact the city through the official City of Clearwater website at clearwaterks.org. The public notice is posted on the city's major community events page; residents with pending court business should check there for any additional updates before their scheduled appearance.

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Clearwater Municipal Court moves to 3:30 pm starting July 1

Clearwater Municipal Court moves to 3:30 pm starting July 1

Clearwater Municipal Court moves from 6 pm to 3:30 pm on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month, effective July 1, 2026.

When
Wed, Jul 01 · 1:00 PM – 10:30 AM
Where
Clearwater Municipal Court
Tickets
Free / no ticket
  • Clearwater
  • Municipal Court
  • Schedule Change
  • City Hall

The Clearwater Municipal Court will shift its start time from 6 pm to 3:30 pm, effective July 1, 2026. According to a public notice dated April 29 and posted on the city's website, court sessions will continue to be held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month, but will now begin in the mid-afternoon rather than the evening. The change applies to all sessions held at the Clearwater Municipal Court going forward.

The schedule adjustment moves court business out of the traditional after-work window. For residents who currently plan their evenings around a 6 pm docket, the earlier time means rearranging work schedules or taking time off to appear. For others, the 3:30 pm slot may be easier to fit into a regular workday, particularly for those commuting home from Wichita-area jobs who would otherwise face a late evening. The city has not announced a specific reason for the change in the posted notice, but the new time aligns the court with more typical municipal court schedules across the region.

Clearwater Municipal Court handles city-level matters, including traffic citations, code enforcement cases, and other violations handled at the local level. Anyone with a scheduled appearance after July 1 should plan to arrive with time to spare for the new 3:30 pm start, as check-in and security screening can add a few minutes before the docket is called. The court remains at its usual location inside Clearwater City Hall. Anyone unsure of where to go or what to bring can call ahead for directions and a list of required documents.

Court sessions are held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month at 3:30 pm, beginning July 1, 2026. The court will no longer meet at 6 pm on those dates. Residents with questions about an existing case, a pending ticket, or the new schedule can contact Clearwater City Hall during regular business hours for assistance.

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Maize Residents Can Get Up to $100 Back for Planting Trees

Maize Residents Can Get Up to $100 Back for Planting Trees

Maize's Tree Reimbursement Program refunds 20 percent of tree purchases, up to $100 per household, for residents who plant on their property.

  • Maize
  • Trees
  • Reimbursement
  • Park Board
  • Environment
  • Civic Program

The City of Maize is offering residents up to $100 back for planting trees on their property through the Park and Tree Board's Tree Reimbursement Program. According to the city's website, the program refunds 20 percent of the purchase price of trees planted on a resident's property, capped at $100 per household. The program is open to Maize residents who want to add trees to their yards, and there's no firm application deadline listed, so residents can participate as long as the program remains active.

The Park and Tree Board oversees the program as part of its broader mission to improve quality of life and community livability throughout Maize. According to the city, the board promotes planting trees suited to the Kansas landscape and climate and works to educate residents on proper tree care. The board also partners with the City Council and city staff to develop, maintain, and implement a Park System Master Plan that guides how Maize's parks and green spaces grow over time.

The city outlines a long list of reasons trees matter to a community. Trees clean harmful pollutants from the air, stabilize the land, cool hot summer air in urban neighborhoods, slow traffic on tree-lined streets, provide habitat for wildlife, and make a town feel cared for. Well-maintained trees in parks and along city streets signal that residents take pride in where they live, according to the city's Park and Tree Board page.

To participate in the reimbursement program, residents plant trees on their property within Maize city limits and keep their receipts. The city maintains a list of preferred trees for South Central Kansas that residents should consult before purchasing. The 20 percent refund applies to the purchase price, with the $100 per household cap meaning a resident who spends $500 on qualifying trees gets the full $100 back. The exact submission process isn't detailed on the page, so residents should check the city's website or contact city hall for instructions.

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Valley Center Planning and Zoning Board releases 2026 meeting schedule

Valley Center Planning and Zoning Board releases 2026 meeting schedule

Fourth Tuesdays at Valley Center City Hall, 7 p.m.

  • Planning
  • Zoning
  • Valley Center
  • City Hall
  • Board Meetings
  • Public Meetings
  • Comprehensive Plan

The Valley Center Planning and Zoning Board released its full 2026 meeting calendar, with sessions generally scheduled for 7 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month at City Hall, 121 S. Meridian Ave. The lone exception is December, which falls on the third Thursday per the city's standard practice. Each date is contingent on having business to conduct, so cancellations are possible if no agenda items land before the meeting.

Seven members make up the board, according to the city's Planning and Zoning Board page. Five live inside the Valley Center city limits and two live within three miles of the town's boundaries, reflecting the board's planning reach beyond city lines. The mayor appoints each member to a three-year term with City Council consent. The same body also serves as the Board of Zoning Appeals, hearing variance requests and appeals of zoning decisions in addition to its planning duties.

The board's core work covers the orderly planning and development of Valley Center and the surrounding area within three miles, all guided by the Comprehensive Plan. Members review and approve rezoning requests, regulation amendments, subdivision items, street vacations, and special use applications. Every project that requires site plan review passes through the board before construction can begin, giving residents a clear window to weigh in on new development in their neighborhoods.

Residents with questions about zoning, building code violations, floodplain concerns, inoperable vehicles, or nuisance issues can submit them through the city's Citizens Request Tracker, available on the Valley Center website. Agendas get posted to the city website ahead of each meeting, and public notices detailing agenda items run in The Ark Valley News. The 2026 calendar lists meetings on January 27, February 24, March 24, April 28, May 26, June 23, July 28, August 25, September 25, October 27, November 19, and December 17.

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Wichita Sustainability Integration Board Meets September 23

Wichita Sustainability Integration Board Meets September 23

Wichita's Sustainability Integration Board meets Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 6:15 PM at the Advanced Learning Library, with an option to attend virtually via Microsoft Teams.

  • Sustainability
  • City Board
  • Civic
  • Public Meeting
  • Advanced Learning Library
  • Downtown Wichita
  • Public Comment

The City of Wichita Sustainability Integration Board will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, with a 6:15 PM start time at the Advanced Learning Library. According to the city's official calendar, the session takes place in the 2nd Floor Boardroom at 711 West 2nd Street North, in downtown Wichita.

The Sustainability Integration Board advises Wichita's leadership on efforts to weave environmental and sustainability goals into municipal operations, planning, and policy. It is one of the city's standing advisory bodies through which staff and residents work together on long-range environmental and quality-of-life planning. Meetings are open to the public, giving residents a direct window into how city departments are coordinating on energy use, waste reduction, water resources, and climate work. The board also offers a chance for locals to weigh in during the public comment portion, a route neighbors frequently use to flag concerns, ask questions about city projects, and bring new ideas to the city's planners.

Locals who want to follow along but cannot make it to the library in person can join virtually via Microsoft Teams, with the meeting link posted on the city's calendar page. The board's prior agendas, accessible through the city's calendar pages, have covered items ranging from municipal building efficiency and tree canopy planning to community-wide climate initiatives and procurement policies. Attending, in any form, is a way for residents to see how the city's sustainability commitments translate into actual projects, and where the work is heading from quarter to quarter.

The meeting is free and open to all ages. The Advanced Learning Library sits on the west edge of downtown Wichita, with on-site parking available for visitors; the boardroom is on the second floor, accessible by elevator. Doors typically open shortly before 6:15 PM. Residents planning to speak during public comment should check the meeting agenda, when it is posted, for the signup procedure. For the Microsoft Teams link and any updated logistics, see the source link below.

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MAPC and Zoning Board Meet Sept 24 in Downtown Wichita

MAPC and Zoning Board Meet Sept 24 in Downtown Wichita

  • Wichita
  • Mapc
  • Zoning
  • Planning Commission
  • City Hall
  • Public Meeting
  • Boza

The Metropolitan Area Planning Commission and the Wichita-Sedgwick County Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a joint meeting on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. inside the Ronald Reagan Building at 271 W. 3rd Street N in downtown Wichita. The session takes place on the second floor in Conference Room #203, according to the city calendar listing.

The session is posted as a combined meeting of the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals. Agenda packets for both bodies are linked as PDFs on the city's calendar page, with separate entries for the MAPC packet and the BOZA packet. The meeting will be livestreamed and recorded on the Wichita-Sedgwick County Planning YouTube channel, where previous recordings are also archived for anyone who wants to review past cases.

Three ways to participate are listed on the city calendar page. Attendees can show up in person at Conference Room #203 inside the Ronald Reagan Building. They can submit written comments by email or mail to the Planning Department by 5 p.m. one day before the meeting. Or they can submit visual or audio comments in jpeg, png, mp4, avi, mov, or mp3 formats, which must arrive by 5 p.m. three days prior. The city asks commenters to identify the specific agenda item they address and to keep each submission under three minutes when read aloud.

The meeting is free and open to the public. Anyone needing ADA accommodations is asked to contact Planning staff at least one week in advance, per the city calendar listing. Virtual participation is not available, but the YouTube livestream lets anyone watch live or on demand from home. Comments and questions can also be faxed to 316-858-7764. Written comments go to [email protected] or by mail to the Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Department, Attn: Scott Wadle, 271 W. 3rd Street, Suite 201, Wichita, KS 67202. Phone: 316-268-4421.

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KDHE lifts Wichita boil water advisory after 195 tests come back clear

KDHE lifts Wichita boil water advisory after 195 tests come back clear

KDHE has rescinded the City of Wichita's boil water advisory after all 195 water test results came back clean; the City presented an after-action review at the September 22 City Council Workshop.

  • Water
  • Boil Advisory
  • Public Safety
  • City Council
  • Kdhe
  • Public Works
  • Utilities

KDHE has rescinded the boil water advisory for the City of Wichita after all 195 water tests came back clear and free of contamination. The advisory was first issued early Wednesday morning, September 16, 2026, after a power outage triggered a loss of pressure at the main water treatment plant and the Hess pump station. After tests cleared, the state agency confirmed there was no presence of bacteria in the city's system and that conditions which could have placed the system at risk of contamination had been resolved. Wichita water has remained safe for normal use and consumption throughout the process, according to the City.

The chain of events began with Tuesday night's storm, which knocked out power at the water facility. The backup generators that were supposed to keep the system running failed, leading to a drop in pressure across the distribution network. KDHE requires a boil water advisory whenever pressure falls below a safe threshold. Staff spent Wednesday collecting water samples from 195 testing locations across the service area. The samples then had to sit for a full 24-hour incubation period so any bacteria would have time to show up in lab analysis.

With test results in hand, City staff and KDHE met Thursday afternoon to walk through the data. By around 5:30 p.m. that day, KDHE had completed its review and lifted the advisory. 'We're thrilled to clear everyone and want to assure the community that our water is safe and cleared for normal use and consumption,' City Manager Marstall said in the City's statement. Public Works and Utilities Director Gary Janzen thanked residents for their patience and praised the crews, contractors, and KDHE staff who worked through the event. The City presented an after-action review at the September 22, 2026 City Council Workshop, walking Council members through the timeline and the response.

Wichita residents can now resume normal water use, including drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, and preparing food. As a precaution, customers are encouraged to run cold tap water at every faucet until they feel the temperature drop, which flushes out air pockets and clears stagnant water. Wholesale water utilities that purchase Wichita water are responsible for testing their own systems per state regulation; customers in those service areas should continue to follow local guidance until their municipality updates them. The City says it is still investigating what caused the generators to fail and will review procedures to prevent a similar multi-failure power outage in the future.

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Andover City Council Workshop Set for September 28 at the Lodge in Central Park

Andover City Council Workshop Set for September 28 at the Lodge in Central Park

Open to the public at the Lodge in Central Park

  • Andover
  • City Council
  • Workshop
  • Public Meeting
  • Central Park
  • September

The Andover City Council will hold a workshop on Monday, September 28, 2026, starting at 6 p.m. at the Lodge in Central Park, according to the city's calendar. The meeting is open to the public, giving residents a chance to observe council discussions in person rather than waiting for meeting minutes or recap coverage.

Workshops are the council's working sessions, where members typically dig into the details of city business before formal votes land on a regular meeting agenda. Topics can range from budgeting and capital projects to planning, public safety, and city staffing. Locals who want to follow along with how Andover is being run, or who want to flag a concern ahead of a future agenda, often use these workshops as their first touchpoint with the council.

The Lodge in Central Park is a regular meeting spot for Andover gatherings and offers a familiar, easy-to-find location in the heart of the city. Because workshops are open meetings, attendees can generally watch the discussion and, depending on the agenda, may have a chance to speak during any public comment portion.

Practical details: the workshop begins at 6 p.m. on Monday, September 28, 2026, at the Lodge in Central Park. Meetings are open to the public. Anyone planning to attend should check the city calendar closer to the date for an agenda, any time updates, or a posted cancellation notice.

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Derby kicks off North Woodlawn Blvd. reconstruction Sept. 28

Derby kicks off North Woodlawn Blvd. reconstruction Sept. 28

Derby begins a six-month, $1.88M rebuild of North Woodlawn Blvd. between Winding Lane and 55th St. on Sept. 28, with phase one closing the Winding Lane intersection.

  • Derby
  • Road Construction
  • Infrastructure
  • Traffic Alert
  • North Woodlawn
  • Public Works

The City of Derby will kick off a full reconstruction of North Woodlawn Blvd. between Winding Lane and 55th St. on Monday, Sept. 28, a roughly six-month overhaul of a corridor residents and city engineers have flagged for years. The project rebuilds the roadway from the ground up, adds gutters, sidewalks and ADA-accessible ramps, improves stormwater drainage, and realigns the Woodlawn Blvd. intersection at 55th St., according to the city's CivicAlerts notice. For Derby drivers and nearby residents, that means new closures, detours and access changes starting next week.

City officials have said this stretch of Woodlawn has experienced long-standing pavement and drainage problems, and that the full reconstruction is meant to address the underlying roadway and drainage conditions rather than just patch the surface. The total project carries a price tag of $1,881,614 and is funded through the Derby Difference Sales Tax, the city's voter-approved local option tax. Pearson Construction is the contractor, and work is expected to take approximately six months, weather permitting.

Construction will roll out in multiple phases. During phase one, the Woodlawn Blvd. and Winding Lane intersection will close entirely so crews can install stormwater drainage improvements. The city said a full closure lets the contractor work more safely and efficiently and will cut the total project time in half, while keeping the project budget manageable. That intersection closure is expected to last up to two months, weather permitting, before crews move on to the next stretch between Bellows St. and 55th St.

During phase one, Woodlawn Blvd. will be closed from Winding Lane north to Bellows St., and the Freedom St. entrance to the Northbrook neighborhood will also be closed. Two-way traffic will stay open on Woodlawn Blvd. north of Bellows St. Northbrook Addition residents should detour via 55th to Buckner St. or Rock Rd. Access to homes on Winding Lane west of Woodlawn Blvd. will be maintained throughout the project, the city said.

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Maize Rounds Cash Transactions to Nearest Nickel Starting Nov 17

Maize Rounds Cash Transactions to Nearest Nickel Starting Nov 17

Cash in Maize rounds to the nearest nickel starting November 17.

  • Pennies
  • Utilities
  • City Finance
  • Rounding Policy
  • Cash Payments
  • Maize Ks

Starting November 17, 2025, the City of Maize will round cash transactions to the nearest nickel when pennies are unavailable, according to the city's Finance Department. The change applies to utility bill payments made with cash and to all other cash transactions handled at City Hall. The shift is a direct response to the U.S. Treasury ending penny production and to local banks no longer selling pennies to the city. Existing pennies remain legal tender and can still be used at City Hall until they phase out of circulation naturally, but new pennies will no longer be supplied to the city's cash drawers.

The Treasury's decision to halt penny production made each remaining cent more expensive to source than to mint, with the Finance Department noting each penny now costs roughly four cents to produce. Declining circulation also played a role; most pennies now sit idle in jars or drawers rather than passing through tills. With pennies in short supply, the city adopted a rounding policy modeled on what other governments and retailers have already begun doing in recent years. Maize is now formalizing the practice in writing, with a clear effective date and specific rules for utility billing.

For utility bills paid with cash, the math works like this: if the total due is $1.03 and the customer hands over cash without exact change, the cashier collects $1.05. The extra two cents stays on the customer's utility account as a credit applied to the next billing cycle, so nobody pays more than they owe. All other cash transactions follow the same rule, rounding up or down to the nearest five cents when pennies are unavailable. The rounding only kicks in when exact change cannot be made with the coins on hand.

Card, debit, and digital payments are not affected by the policy. Those transactions still calculate to the exact cent because they do not require physical coin at the register. Residents who pay cash at City Hall are advised to bring exact change when possible to avoid rounding in either direction. The policy takes effect November 17, 2025, and applies at the Maize City Hall finance window during regular business hours.

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Maize brush drop off and monthly pick up for city residents

Maize brush drop off and monthly pick up for city residents

City of Maize operates a monthly brush drop-off site and curbside brush pick-up for residents, with free mulch available during drop-off hours.

  • Maize
  • Brush
  • Yard Waste
  • Mulch
  • City Services
  • Public Works

The City of Maize operates two brush programs for residents: a monthly drop-off site at the Public Works facility and a curbside pick-up service. The drop-off area, located at 5600 N. Maize Rd., opens the first Saturday of each month from 8 a.m. to noon, according to the city's website. Holiday weekends can shift the schedule, so residents should confirm the open date before loading up a truck or trailer.

Drop-off access is limited to city residents, and a photo ID is checked at the gate. Brush and limbs brought in are ground and shredded on site, and the resulting mulch is offered free to residents during drop-off hours, so the trip doubles as a free supply run for anyone topping off a garden bed or refreshing a yard while supplies last.

For residents who cannot haul brush themselves, the city runs a monthly curbside pick-up. Pick-up happens on the first Monday of each month, with the following day as the make-up date whenever that Monday is a holiday. To get on the route, residents need to call City Hall at (316) 722-7561 ahead of pick-up day. Brush must be accessible to the crew, which generally means piled at the curb and free of obstructions like parked cars or low wires.

Drop-off hours are 8 a.m. to noon on the first Saturday of each month at 5600 N. Maize Rd. Pick-up is the first Monday of each month, or the following Tuesday after a holiday Monday. A photo ID is required at the drop-off, and residents should call (316) 722-7561 in advance to be added to the pick-up route. Free mulch is available during drop-off hours. Service is for city residents only.

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Randall Street rebuild starts August 31 in Park City

Randall Street rebuild starts August 31 in Park City

Full depth reclamation, new curbs, four to six weeks of work on Randall Street.

  • Park City
  • Road Work
  • Randall Street
  • Apac
  • 2026 Road Rehab
  • Civicalert
  • Street Rebuild
  • Curbs

Park City's 2026 Road Rehab Project rolls onto Randall Street on August 31, when APAC Construction begins a four to six week full depth reclamation of the corridor between Charleston Street and Frontenac Street. According to the CivicAlert notice posted to the City website, the project starts by grinding the existing pavement, adding concrete to stabilize the base layer, and re-laying the material before topping everything with new asphalt and finishing the job with new curbs. The full depth approach treats the street as a single rebuild rather than a series of patches.

Full depth reclamation is a heavier lift than a standard mill and overlay. Crews pulverize the existing roadway, mix concrete into the recycled material to create a stabilized base course, and then pave over it with fresh asphalt. The City describes the result as a road that 'looks and drives like new.' Combining stabilization and paving into one mobilization shortens the total disruption compared with handling each step as a separate contract, and installing new curbs during the same window brings the corridor up to current standards for drainage and edge support.

Active construction will run roughly 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays. The City is asking residents along the corridor not to park on the street during those hours and to hold off on lawn watering while work is underway so saturated ground does not interfere with the equipment and sprinkler overspray does not degrade the new surface. Temporary ramps will keep driveways accessible throughout the project, and APAC is coordinating with Waste Connections so curbside trash and recycling pickup continues on its normal schedule.

Residents with questions or specific access needs can reach APAC's project superintendent, James Chitwood, at (316) 303-7721. Door hangers have already been delivered to every property along Randall Street from Charleston to Frontenac. Drivers who use Randall as a through route should plan an alternate path for the project window, which is expected to wrap up sometime between late September and early October depending on weather and base conditions. Emergency vehicle access is being preserved along the corridor at all times.

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Randall Street rehab in Park City starts August 31

Randall Street rehab in Park City starts August 31

Four to six weeks of road work from Charleston to Frontenac.

  • Park City
  • Road Construction
  • Randall Street
  • Infrastructure
  • 2026
  • Apac

Randall Street in Park City is set for a full rehabilitation starting August 31, 2026, according to the city's project announcement. The work covers Randall from Charleston Street to Frontenac Street and is expected to run four to six weeks as part of Park City's 2026 Road Rehab Project. APAC Construction is the contractor handling the job, and APAC project superintendent James Chitwood is the point of contact for residents with questions during the project.

The work follows a full depth reclamation approach rather than a simple asphalt overlay. Crews will grind the existing roadway, mix in concrete to stabilize the base layer, and re-lay that material before topping it with new asphalt. New curbs will be installed along the route to finish the job. According to the city, the result should be a street that looks and drives like new once the project wraps. APAC has already delivered written notification to every household along the affected stretch of Randall.

During construction, residents are asked to keep vehicles off the street between 7 AM and 5 PM on weekdays and to skip lawn watering while work is underway. Crews will maintain driveway access through temporary ramps, so residents will still be able to get in and out during the work day. APAC is coordinating with Waste Connections to make sure trash and recycling pickup continues without interruption for homes along the route. Anyone with questions about the project can call APAC superintendent James Chitwood at (316) 303-7721.

Drivers who use Randall as a cut-through between Charleston and Frontenac should plan for delays and lane shifts across the four to six week window. The weekday parking restriction runs from 7 AM to 5 PM, and keeping the street clear during those hours is what lets crews keep moving on schedule. The work is part of Park City's larger 2026 road program, though the city has not yet announced which street will follow Randall on the rehab list.

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Bel Aire intersection at 53rd and Oliver now a four-way stop

Bel Aire intersection at 53rd and Oliver now a four-way stop

  • Bel Aire
  • Traffic
  • Safety
  • Four Way Stop
  • 53rd Street
  • Oliver

The intersection of 53rd Street and Oliver in Bel Aire is now a four-way stop. The change took effect August 31, according to a CivicAlerts notice posted on the city's website. Drivers approaching the crossing from any direction should now come to a full stop, not just those on the approaches that previously required it. The new pattern applies around the clock until further notice.

City officials say the switch is meant to improve safety and reduce the risk of future crashes at the intersection. According to the announcement, crews installed blinking LED stop signs on Oliver, added new pavement markings, and put up stop ahead signs so drivers get an earlier warning as they approach the crossing. Together, those upgrades are designed to make the four-way stop harder to miss for anyone who has been treating the intersection as a two-way stop.

For residents who travel the route daily, the simplest adjustment is to start braking earlier and to expect cross-traffic every time through. The new stop ahead signs are meant to give drivers a heads-up well before they reach the intersection, but the rule from August 31 forward is a full stop from every direction. Rolling through, even when the road looks clear, increases the risk of the kind of side-impact crash the change is meant to prevent. Drivers who normally treated this stretch as a pass-through will need to relearn the rhythm of the intersection.

Questions about the change can be directed to the City of Bel Aire through the official website at belaireks.gov. The CivicAlerts notice does not currently list additional phases or timelines beyond the August 31 start date, so drivers should plan for the new pattern to remain in place. Anyone who spots an issue with the new signage, pavement markings, or LED signals is encouraged to report it through the city's standard contact channels so it can be addressed.

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Clearwater Municipal Court Moves to 3:30 PM Afternoon Sessions

Clearwater Municipal Court moves from 6 PM to 3:30 PM on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month, effective July 1, 2026.

When
Wed, Jul 01 · 1:00 PM – 10:30 AM
Where
Clearwater Municipal Court
Tickets
Free / no ticket
  • Municipal Court
  • City Hall
  • Public Notice
  • Schedule Change
  • Clearwater
  • Sedgwick County

The Clearwater Municipal Court will shift its sessions from 6 PM to 3:30 PM, with the new schedule taking effect July 1, 2026. According to a public notice posted on the city's website on April 29, 2026, court will now convene on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month at the earlier afternoon time. The switch marks the end of the court's longstanding evening docket and gives Clearwater a more traditional mid-afternoon schedule aligned with many other Kansas municipal courts.

The change ends Clearwater's longstanding evening court schedule, which had been set at 6 PM. For residents who had built their work and family routines around an evening court appearance, the switch to a 3:30 PM slot will mean rearranging schedules or taking time off in the middle of the day. The twice-monthly Wednesday docket covers traffic tickets, code enforcement cases, and other municipal matters that fall under the court's jurisdiction. Local employers and schools may also notice the shift, since defendants and witnesses will now need to be available during work and class hours rather than after the standard day ends.

The City of Clearwater posted the public notice on its website on April 29, 2026, giving residents about two months to adjust before the new schedule kicks in. Anyone with a case already scheduled after July 1 should check the city's website or contact the court clerk to confirm whether their appearance time or date has shifted, since the move from a single 6 PM slot to a 3:30 PM slot may push some cases to a different Wednesday. The notice does not indicate any change to court procedures, fine amounts, or the types of cases the court will hear.

Clearwater Municipal Court typically hears cases involving city ordinance violations, including traffic infractions, misdemeanor charges, and code enforcement matters. The court is open to the public, though those with business before the judge should plan to arrive early enough to clear security and locate the correct courtroom. Parking is generally available at the city's municipal complex, and the court clerk's office can answer questions about specific cases, continuances, or payment options. Residents who cannot make a scheduled afternoon session are encouraged to contact the clerk in advance to request a continuance rather than risk a failure-to-appear finding.

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Clearwater Municipal Court moves to 3:30 pm starting July 1

When
Wed, Jul 01 · 1:00 PM – 10:30 AM
Where
Clearwater Municipal Court
Tickets
Free / no ticket
  • Clearwater
  • Municipal Court
  • City Hall
  • Public Notice
  • Court Schedule

Clearwater Municipal Court is moving its start time to 3:30 pm, effective July 1, 2026, according to a public notice posted on the city's website. Court sessions will now convene on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at the new earlier time, replacing the 6 pm evening slot the court had previously held.

The change represents a meaningful shift for residents who had grown accustomed to scheduling court appearances around an after-work session. By pulling the docket into mid-afternoon, the city is bringing Clearwater's municipal proceedings into the standard business day, which can give city staff better alignment with attorneys and prosecutors who typically work standard hours. For locals with pending traffic tickets, code violations, or other city ordinance matters, the earlier start means planning for a daytime appearance rather than an evening one. Some residents may need to take time off work or arrange for an attorney to appear on their behalf at the new hour.

The notice was published April 29, 2026, on the City of Clearwater's Monthly Scoop newsletter page. Clearwater Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations, traffic citations, animal-related complaints, and other matters under city jurisdiction. According to the public notice, the change is limited to the start time and does not affect the court's address, the days on which it convenes, or the types of cases it hears. The court serves residents within Clearwater's city limits.

Starting July 1, 2026, court will be held at 3:30 pm on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month at the Clearwater Municipal Court. Anyone with a scheduled appearance, an outstanding citation, or a pending matter is encouraged to confirm the new time with the court clerk before the changeover date to avoid a missed docket or a default judgment. The notice did not announce any changes to filing fees, fine schedules, payment options, or how cases are scheduled. The city has not indicated how the new time will affect first-time appearances versus continuations.

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Clearwater Municipal Court Sessions Move to 3:30 PM on July 1

Clearwater Municipal Court moves from 6 PM to 3:30 PM on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, effective July 1, 2026, per the city's public notice.

When
Wed, Jul 01 · 5:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Where
Clearwater Municipal Court
Tickets
Free / no ticket
  • Clearwater
  • Municipal Court
  • City Hall
  • Public Notice
  • Schedule Change

The Clearwater Municipal Court is moving its regular session time from 6 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., according to a public notice from the City of Clearwater dated April 29, 2026. The change takes effect July 1, 2026, and applies to every scheduled docket from that date forward.

Under the new timing, court will convene at 3:30 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. That represents a 2.5-hour earlier start than the prior 6 p.m. evening slot, a switch that matters for anyone with traffic tickets, pending cases, or scheduled hearings who has been planning around the old time. The roughly two-month lead time between the April 29 notice and the July 1 effective date gives defendants, attorneys, and anyone planning to attend a session a window to confirm their plans before the new schedule kicks in. Anyone with a court date right around the July 1 transition should double-check the time on their summons rather than rely on memory. Local employers that have historically allowed evening release time for court appearances may want to flag the new afternoon slot for anyone on staff with a Clearwater case pending.

Clearwater's public notice did not include a separate FAQ or transition guide, and the city did not publish a reason for the change. The cadence stays the same (first and third Wednesdays of the month), so only the hour is shifting. Because the afternoon slot could conflict with work hours for some residents, anyone who relied on the evening session to attend court after a workday should reconsider how they will make the new time, especially for matters like traffic tickets, code violations, or other municipal citations that could move to warrant if missed. Missing a court date in Clearwater can trigger additional fines or a bench warrant, so the schedule change is worth flagging early.

Effective July 1, 2026, the Clearwater Municipal Court convenes at 3:30 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Sessions are free to attend, though any outstanding fines or citations must be resolved through the usual court process. The notice was posted on the city's bid opportunities page, so anyone with questions about a specific case date is encouraged to contact City Hall directly before traveling. Confirming your individual court time before July 1 is the safest move.

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Clearwater Municipal Court Moves to 3:30 pm on First and Third Wednesdays

Clearwater Municipal Court shifts from 6 pm to 3:30 pm effective July 1, 2026, with sessions on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.

When
Wed, Jul 01 · 1:00 PM – 10:30 AM
Where
Clearwater Municipal Court
Tickets
Free / no ticket
  • Clearwater
  • Municipal Court
  • Public Notice
  • Court Schedule
  • Sedgwick County

The City of Clearwater posted a public notice on April 29, 2026 announcing a permanent time change at the Clearwater Municipal Court. Effective July 1, 2026, the court will move from its longstanding 6 pm start time to 3:30 pm. Sessions will continue on the first and third Wednesdays of each month, but at the new earlier hour. The change is published on the city's official website under the city utility services page, and it applies to every session going forward.

For residents who handle traffic tickets, code violations, or other municipal matters, the time shift reshapes the routine in a noticeable way. An evening slot at 6 pm has historically allowed after-work appearances, fitting around typical nine-to-five work schedules and giving drivers a chance to handle a ticket or pay a fine after hours. The new 3:30 pm session lands squarely in the middle of the afternoon, which may require time off work or school for anyone with a scheduled hearing or pending matter. Parents, shift workers, and anyone commuting to Wichita for the day should weigh the new time carefully. The city's notice does not list exceptions for evening sessions, so the 3:30 pm start applies to defendants, attorneys, and city staff alike.

The schedule was published on April 29, 2026, giving residents more than two full months of lead time before the change takes effect on July 1. That window is intended to clear up confusion about which Wednesday of the month a session falls on, and to let defendants, attorneys, and city staff adjust their calendars well ahead of the new schedule. The City of Clearwater is the source for the new times, and the public notice posted on the city's website is the authoritative reference point. Anyone with questions about a specific case should reach out to the municipal court clerk directly.

Locals with pending matters before July should confirm the new time and date with the municipal court clerk before the changeover. The published notice lists no exceptions for the 6 pm time slot, meaning anyone whose appearance was already scheduled at the old evening hour will need to reschedule, or alternatively appear at 3:30 pm on the next applicable first or third Wednesday of the month. The court now meets twice monthly under the new schedule, with sessions running on the first and third Wednesday of every month at the new earlier hour. Plan around a midday visit rather than an after-work stop, and verify any individual case details with the clerk ahead of the date.

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Tex Consolver Greens Get Fall Aeration Sept 22-23

Tex Consolver Greens Get Fall Aeration Sept 22-23

Two weeks of bumpy greens now means better putting all season.

  • Wichita
  • Parks
  • Golf
  • Tex Consolver
  • Aeration
  • Course Maintenance
  • Fall 2026

The City of Wichita will aerate the greens at Tex Consolver Golf Course on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 22-23, 2026, according to the city's parks calendar listing. The work is part of the course's annual fall maintenance routine and is expected to leave putting surfaces bumpy, sandy, and slow to heal for roughly two weeks afterward. Walk-up play continues during the work, but golfers who care about a clean roll should plan around the window or check the city's other municipal courses. The event was posted by Wichita Parks and Recreation on its online calendar.

Aeration pulls small plugs of soil and thatch out of the putting surface to relieve compaction built up over a full season of carts, walkers, and weather. According to the city's announcement, the openings also improve drainage and let air, water, and nutrients reach the root zone. The short-term tradeoff, two weeks of bumpy and uneven greens, pays off with firmer, smoother, healthier turf that putts its best in spring and summer tournaments. 'We know aerated greens are nobody's favorite putting surface, and we appreciate your patience while they heal,' the city wrote in the listing.

Fall is the standard window for this kind of work on cool-season turf in the southern Plains. The grass is still actively growing, so the holes knit back together quickly, but league and tournament play has wound down, leaving the greens available for the disruption. Tex Consolver is one of several municipal courses operated by Wichita Parks and Recreation on the west side of the city. The course sits on the south side of Tyler Road between McArthur and Pawnee, and the clubhouse faces the main parking lot.

Tex Consolver Golf Course is at 1931 S Tyler Road, Wichita, KS 67209. Tee times and greens fees are handled through the city's golf program; the course's published hours typically run from sunrise to sunset, with the pro shop opening earlier on weekends. The aeration itself is performed by city maintenance staff, not contracted out, so scheduling is weather-dependent. If rain delays the September 22-23 start, the city will push the work to the next available dry window, per the calendar listing. Golfers looking for uninterrupted greens during the recovery period can book at the city's other municipal courses or wait until early October when the new surfaces knit back together.

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Red Bud Trail Closed After Fire Collapses Culverts Under Wichita Bike Path

Red Bud Trail Closed After Fire Collapses Culverts Under Wichita Bike Path

Two trail entrances stay closed while crews size up the damage.

  • Wichita
  • Red Bud Trail
  • Bike Trail
  • Trail Closure
  • Public Safety
  • Culvert Fire
  • Rock Road
  • Woodlawn

The entrances to the Red Bud Trail at Rock Road and Woodlawn are closed after a fire set inside two large culverts collapsed part of the path, according to the City of Wichita. The fire burned inside two culverts roughly 42 inches in diameter and 60 feet long, causing enough structural damage to take down a section of the trail surface above them. The collapse has left the affected stretch unsafe for public use. City staff are now working to determine a repair timeline and cost, while investigators look into how the fire started.

Red Bud Trail is part of Wichita's network of more than 100 miles of bicycle paths, lanes, and other bicycle facilities that run through and around the city. Many of those routes travel through and along scenic areas, including the Arkansas River corridor, which is one of the most popular stretches for casual riders and commuters alike. The Red Bud Trail closures at Rock Road and Woodlawn affect two of Wichita's busiest north-south streets and cut off a segment that cyclists regularly use to reach the broader bikeway system on the city's east side.

City crews are still assessing the damage and pulling together cost estimates before they can set a reopening date. Until repairs are complete, the closed portion of the Red Bud Trail will remain off-limits to pedestrians, runners, and cyclists alike. The city has not said whether the fire was accidental or intentional, and the investigation remains open. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Wichita police or submit a tip through the city's standard reporting channels.

Cyclists looking for alternate routes can pick up a printed copy of the Greater Wichita Bike map at City Hall, the neighborhood city halls, public libraries, local bicycle shops, and many other locations around town. The most recent count of bikeway miles in Wichita, along with status updates on projects in design and construction, is published in the Wichita Bicycle Master Plan Annual Implementation Report. Current and upcoming bikeway projects are also listed on the city's Projects page at wichita.gov.

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Douglas and St. Francis close Saturday for Wagonmasters Chili Cook Off

Douglas and St. Francis close Saturday for Wagonmasters Chili Cook Off

Two Wichita streets, one cook-off, one Saturday.

  • Wichita
  • Street Closure
  • Wagonmasters
  • Chili Cook Off
  • Douglas Avenue
  • St Francis Avenue
  • Downtown Events

Two stretches of Wichita street will close Saturday, September 26, 2026, for the Wagonmasters Chili Cook Off, according to the City of Wichita online calendar. The closure covers Douglas Avenue from Emporia Avenue to Mead Avenue, plus St. Francis Avenue from William Street to 1st Street North, blocking vehicle traffic in both directions for the day.

The Wagonmasters Chili Cook Off is a recurring community event that draws chili-cooking teams, vendors, and visitors to the surrounding district. According to the city's calendar entry, the street closure is timed to set up the cook-off footprint and give crews room to install tents, serving lines, and tasting stations before the gates open to the public. Hosting the cook-off on a closed-off street turns the route into a pedestrian-friendly festival space, which is the kind of setup the Wagonmasters organizers have used in past years.

Drivers who normally use Douglas Avenue east of Emporia Avenue or St. Francis Avenue near William Street should plan an alternate route on Saturday morning. The city calendar lists a 6 a.m. start time for the closure, so motorists should expect barricades in place from early morning. Through traffic can typically use adjacent parallel streets to bypass the cook-off footprint. Residents who live within the closure zone will need to enter from side streets, and on-street parking along the closed segments will be unavailable once the barricades go up.

For attendees, the closed streets make it easier to walk between chili stations, browse vendor booths, and catch any live entertainment tied to the cook-off. Anyone planning to attend should leave the car at home if possible, since parking inside the closure zone will be tight, and rideshare drop-offs may need to use the perimeter blocks. Comfortable walking shoes and a reusable spoon for tastings are useful, though specific event hours, ticket prices, and a complete list of competing teams are not included on the city's calendar entry and should be confirmed with the Wagonmasters organizers directly.

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Delano District Advisory Committee meets Sept 22

Delano District Advisory Committee meets Sept 22

Your weekly look at what's coming up at Wichita's City Hall.

  • Delano
  • Advisory Committee
  • Public Meeting
  • City Hall
  • Wichita
  • Historic Preservation

The Delano District Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 4 PM in the Ronald Reagan Building's 2nd Floor Large Conference Room, 271 W. 3rd St., Wichita, KS 67202, in the heart of the Delano neighborhood. The session is open to the public, and residents can attend in person to follow along and weigh in on local issues affecting the district.

Advisory committees give Wichitans a direct line into neighborhood-level planning and preservation decisions. According to the City of Wichita calendar listing, this committee convenes regularly to consider items affecting the Delano area, ranging from historic preservation to streetscape and zoning matters. The format typically allows time for public comment on agenda items, which is where most resident input happens.

For those wanting to attend in person, head to the Ronald Reagan Building on the 2nd floor. Those who can't make it can submit comments ahead of time via email, letter, video, or audio (mp3) to the Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Department. Per the city listing, the submission deadline is 5 PM three days before the meeting, and comments should run less than three minutes each and indicate which agenda item they address.

Practical info: meetings are free and open to the public, and parking is available near the Ronald Reagan Building. Anyone needing ADA accommodations should contact planning staff at least one week before the meeting. Note that the source listing appears to mix Delano District Advisory Committee content with Historic Preservation Board instructions, including a reference to Conference Room #203, so confirm the exact room and committee agenda with city staff before you go.

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Two Wichita road projects kick off August 26

Two Wichita road projects kick off August 26

  • Road Construction
  • Douglas Avenue
  • 21st Street
  • Traffic
  • Bike Lanes
  • Pedestrian Safety
  • Wichita

The City of Wichita will begin two road projects on Wednesday, August 26. Crews will start construction on the Douglas Avenue pilot project, running from Washington to Grove, with construction expected to last through September and the full pilot running six months. Separately, 21st Street will close to eastbound traffic between Park Place and Market for approximately six weeks. Both projects are part of the City's ongoing effort to improve street infrastructure and pedestrian safety along two busy corridors.

The Douglas Avenue project is a six-month pilot designed to test roadway improvements that enhance safety and accessibility for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. During the pilot, Douglas Avenue will be temporarily reconfigured to a three-lane roadway with one travel lane in each direction and a center turn lane. Other changes include on-street bicycle lanes, curb extensions, parking modifications, enhanced crosswalks, and updated pavement markings and signage.

City staff will use the pilot period to collect pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle counts; monitor intersections to determine whether traffic signal timing adjustments are needed; and gather vehicle speed and travel-time data. The City will use the information to evaluate the roadway configuration and its impacts on safety, mobility, and traffic operations before making a final recommendation to the City Council. To minimize impacts on school traffic, construction and lane reductions between I-135 and Grove will take place during evenings and weekends.

For the 21st Street closure, eastbound drivers should follow the posted detour: south on Waco to 13th Street, east on 13th Street to Broadway, and north on Broadway back to 21st Street. The City is also making improvements to 21st Street and adjacent pedestrian infrastructure during the closure, in addition to roadway repaving and signal work typically associated with this type of project. According to the CivicAlerts announcement, the City recognizes that construction and temporary traffic changes can create inconveniences for residents, businesses, schools, and motorists along both corridors, and is asking for patience as the work is completed.

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Andover City Council Meets Twice a Month, Open to the Public

Andover City Council Meets Twice a Month, Open to the Public

Two meetings a month, open to anyone who shows up

  • Andover
  • City Council
  • Public Meeting
  • Civic Engagement
  • Mill Levy
  • Sales Tax
  • Zoning

Andover City Council holds regular meetings twice a month, on the second and last Tuesday, at 7 p.m. inside Andover City Hall. According to the city's FAQ, both meetings are open to the public, and residents don't need an appointment to attend or speak during the public comment portion of the agenda. A live stream and an archive of past meetings are available through the city website, so anyone who can't make it in person can still follow along, and residents who want to revisit a vote from a prior month can pull up the recording on demand.

The night before the last-Tuesday regular meeting, council members hold a workshop session at 6 p.m. inside the Andover Police Station. Workshops are where the bulk of the discussion happens, before items land on a formal voting agenda the next day. Showing up to a workshop is often the best way for residents to catch issues while they're still being shaped, rather than after the votes are cast. Council workshops typically cover long-range planning, budget work sessions, and detailed reviews of proposals that the formal meeting will then vote on.

A few other civic reference points worth keeping on hand, all pulled from the Andover FAQ. The current local sales tax rate is 8.5%, which is what shoppers see at the register on purchases inside city limits. The 2024 mill levy for the city was 42.981 mills, with residential property taxed at 11.5% of that figure. Anyone with zoning questions, whether about a new fence, a home-based business, or a future development, can reach the Zoning Department directly at 316-733-1303, extension 413, during regular City Hall hours.

Practical details for attending: regular meetings start at 7 p.m. on the second and last Tuesday of each month at Andover City Hall. Workshop meetings start at 6 p.m. on the Monday before the last-Tuesday regular meeting, at the Andover Police Station. The city website links to both the live stream and the archive of past meetings, though the direct streaming URL was not included in the extracted FAQ text and should be confirmed on the city's council page before publication. Parking is available at both City Hall and the Police Station. There is no cost to attend, and the public is welcome at every meeting, including the workshop sessions.

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Bel Aire's Woodlawn Reconstruction Moves to Phase Two Monday

Bel Aire's Woodlawn Reconstruction Moves to Phase Two Monday

Four phases, multiple detours, one east-side rebuild

  • Bel Aire
  • Woodlawn
  • Road Closure
  • Construction
  • Public Works
  • Detour

Bel Aire is moving into the second phase of the Woodlawn Reconstruction Project on Monday, August 24. According to the city's civic alert, Phase One paving between Quail Ridge Street and Rodeo Street is wrapping up this week, weather permitting, with crews laying asphalt and drivers warned to expect heavy construction traffic in the area. Once that work wraps, Phase Two will close Woodlawn from Rodeo Street north to Woodlawn Court for roughly six months. The city is asking drivers to avoid the area and use an alternate route while paving operations are underway.

The Woodlawn Reconstruction Project is a multi-phase rebuild that city staff have broken into four segments. With Phase One complete, Phase Two (estimated at six months) will shut Perryton and Odessa access to Woodlawn, with traffic from Rodeo detouring south and traffic from Woodlawn Court detouring north. Phase Three, also estimated at six months, extends the closure from Woodlawn Court to 45th Street, closing Danbury and 44th Street access; traffic from the north will detour via 45th Street while traffic from Woodlawn Court detours south. Phase Four, a three-month stretch from Quail Ridge Street to 37th Street, is the lightest touch: no full closure, just intermittent lane closures with flaggers.

The city's alert notes that the timeline has been padded to account for possible lime treatment of the subgrade if soft or unstable soil turns up, a common move on clay-heavy ground in this part of the metro. Schedules remain estimates and could slip with weather or other surprises, so the city is asking drivers to stay flexible through the rollout. Both Phase Two and Phase Three will rotate cross-street closures along Woodlawn, so even side-street residents should expect detours as the project marches north.

Practical details for residents: there is no public meeting or event tied to this update, just a rolling road closure that begins August 24 and stretches well into next year. There is no cost to residents associated with the alert itself, though drivers should budget extra commute time through east Bel Aire and into the surrounding neighborhoods. For questions about the Woodlawn Reconstruction Project, the City of Bel Aire posts updates at belaireks.gov under CivicAlerts.

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Goddard City Council Meets September 29

Goddard City Council Meets September 29

Goddard City Council holds its regular meeting Tuesday, September 29 at noon at 118 North Main Street.

  • Goddard
  • City Council
  • Civic
  • Public Meeting
  • City Hall

The Goddard City Council will hold its regular meeting on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, beginning at 12:00 PM. According to the city's online calendar, the session will convene at 118 North Main Street in Goddard, Kansas. The meeting is one of the council's standing public sessions held on a regular schedule throughout the year, where elected members take up the routine business of running the city. Council meetings are the place where local policy is debated, voted on, and recorded, making them a key touchpoint for residents who want to follow civic decisions in their community.

At a typical Goddard council session, members consider ordinances, budgets, contracts, zoning requests, public safety reports, and other municipal matters that affect residents day to day. The full agenda is usually posted in advance on the city website so attendees can review specific items before the meeting begins. Sessions are open to the public, and agenda time is typically reserved for resident comment so neighbors can bring concerns or questions directly to the council. Attending in person is the simplest way to track what local government is working on, hear the discussion firsthand, and see exactly where public dollars are being directed.

The September 29 session is a regularly scheduled meeting as posted on the city calendar. Because the council meets at noon rather than in the evening, it tends to be a shorter working session focused on agenda items, though residents are still welcome to attend. Anyone planning to come should arrive a few minutes early to settle in, find a seat, and review any printed agenda materials that may be available at the door.

The meeting is free to attend and open to the public. It will be held at 118 North Main Street, Goddard, KS 67052. The City of Goddard's website is the best place to find the full agenda packet, prior meeting minutes, and supporting documents once they are posted by city staff. Parking is available on-site near the building for those driving in from elsewhere in the Wichita metro.

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Clearwater Municipal Court moves to 3:30 pm starting July 1

Clearwater Municipal Court moves to 3:30 pm starting July 1

When
Wed, Jul 01 · 5:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Where
Clearwater Municipal Court
Tickets
Free / no ticket

Clearwater Municipal Court is moving its session time from 6 pm to 3:30 pm, effective July 1, 2026. Under the new schedule, court will be held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month at 3:30 pm, according to a public notice posted on the City of Clearwater website on April 29, 2026. The change is permanent and replaces the long-standing evening start time the court has used for years. Anyone with a case scheduled after July 1 should plan on the new afternoon slot rather than the old evening time.

The shift from evening to afternoon represents a notable scheduling change for the small town south of Wichita along I-35. Clearwater's Municipal Court handles local ordinance violations, traffic matters, and other municipal citations, and the twice-monthly cadence stays the same. Only the start time is changing: where residents used to plan their evening around a 6 pm docket call, they will now need to be there by mid-afternoon. Anyone with a pending ticket, active summons, or scheduled appearance should confirm their time before the changeover. Local attorneys and bond agents who regularly appear in Clearwater court will also need to update their calendars for the new docket time.

For residents who work traditional daytime hours, the new afternoon slot may make court more accessible. Parents picking up kids from school, shift workers on day schedules, and commuters heading north toward Wichita should find the earlier time more workable. On the flip side, anyone who built a routine around the old 6 pm start will need to reset their calendar. The city did not announce a reason for the move in the public notice, but earlier sessions often align dockets with regular office hours and reduce overtime costs. The earlier start should also free up evenings for residents who had to clear their schedules after dinner.

Clearwater Municipal Court will begin its docket at 3:30 pm sharp on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month. Anyone with questions about an existing case, a fine, or a new summons should contact the city clerk's office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. The 6 pm evening slot is officially retired as of July 1, 2026. After that date, showing up at 6 pm means missing court for the day. The public notice was issued under the city's standard municipal announcement process and applies to all future sessions unless the city issues another update.

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Andover City Council Meets Tuesday, October 13

Andover City Council Meets Tuesday, October 13

  • City Council
  • Public Meeting
  • Civic
  • Government
  • Andover

The Andover City Council holds its next regular meeting on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, beginning at 7 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, according to the city's events calendar. The session is open to the public, giving residents a direct view of the decisions shaping local budgets, streets, planning, and city services across the community. Anyone curious about how Andover's day-to-day operations are decided, or who simply wants to stay informed about local government in action, can show up and watch the process unfold in person.

Council meetings are where Andover's elected officials vote on ordinances, hear department and staff reports, and take up resident concerns during the public comment portion of the evening. Typical agenda items include financial updates, planning and zoning cases, public safety reports, infrastructure work, and contract approvals that affect day-to-day life across the city. For anyone tracking how tax dollars are spent, how new development fits into the community, or how local rules change over time, these regular sessions are the most direct window into Andover's local government. Standing meetings also create a public record of how each council member votes on the issues that come before them, making it easier for voters to follow the reasoning behind each decision.

Agendas are normally posted on the city's website before each meeting so residents can review upcoming business in advance and decide which items matter most to them. Anyone wanting to address the council directly during the public comment period usually needs to sign in or notify city staff before the meeting begins, and time limits per speaker are common. Meetings generally continue until every agenda item has been considered, and approved minutes are published afterward for residents who cannot attend in person. Council packets typically include supporting documents for any contract, rezoning, or budget item on the docket, giving the public the same background information elected officials use to make their decisions.

The session starts at 7 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, and the run of business typically lasts until every agenda item has been addressed. Attendance is free, and the chambers are open to the public, according to the city calendar. Anyone with questions about council business or the agenda, or residents wishing to speak during public comment, is encouraged to contact City Hall before the meeting to confirm procedures and review the latest posted agenda. Confirming ahead of time helps staff prepare any accommodations and ensures speakers are placed on the public comment sign-up list.

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Free Tax Filing Returns to Wichita Through United Way of the Plains

Free Tax Filing Returns to Wichita Through United Way of the Plains

Free tax preparation for Wichita-area households earning under $89,000, with online, in-person, and self-guided options through United Way of the Plains.

  • Free Tax Filing
  • Tax Help
  • Wichita
  • United Way
  • Financial Assistance
  • Vita
  • Earned Income Tax Credit

United Way of the Plains is bringing back its free tax filing services for the 2025 tax year, with appointments opening Monday, January 12, 2026 across Wichita and six surrounding Kansas counties. Households can choose between three no-cost options: Get Your Refund for online assistance with a certified volunteer, My Free Taxes for self-guided filing, and VITA in-person sites for one-on-one help from IRS-certified preparers. According to United Way of the Plains, last year's program filed more than 6,500 returns and helped generate a record-breaking $8 million in refunds for local families.

The program targets income-limited households who might otherwise pay a commercial preparer or skip filing altogether. VITA sites and Get Your Refund serve households earning $69,000 or less in 2025, while the self-guided My Free Taxes platform covers households earning up to $89,000. IRS-certified volunteers prepare returns and help filers claim valuable credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, which can be worth thousands for working families with children. The service area stretches across Sedgwick, Butler, Cowley, Geary, Marion, and Pratt counties in addition to Wichita itself. Disabled filers also qualify for VITA help regardless of income.

A new long-term site at 939 S. Glendale St. in Wichita will accept past-due returns on a limited basis through October 15, 2026. Filers with back taxes should dial 2-1-1 to book a slot at the Parklane location. Online filers can start the process at GetYourRefund.org/UWPFreeTax or MyFreeTaxes.com, with most self-guided returns finishing in under an hour. Live chat and phone support are available, and both online platforms offer Spanish-language access. Translation help is also available at in-person VITA appointments, and filers who prefer to handle everything from home can do so without ever setting foot in an office.

In-person appointments require a photo ID, Social Security cards for the filer, spouse, and dependents, all W-2 and 1099 forms, and bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit. The IRS is not mailing paper checks in 2026, so direct deposit details are essential to actually receive the refund. Married couples filing jointly must both attend to sign forms in person. Filers can print and complete Form 13614-c ahead of time or arrive 15 minutes early to fill it out on site. Kansas Homestead Refund filings and self-employment income are also accepted. To schedule, visit the United Way of the Plains website or dial 2-1-1 for help booking by phone.

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Wichita-Sedgwick County Access Advisory Board Meets September 23

Wichita-Sedgwick County Access Advisory Board Meets September 23

The Wichita/Sedgwick County Access Advisory Board meets Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 10:00 AM at 610 N. Main St.

  • Accessibility
  • Ada
  • City Hall
  • Advisory Board
  • Public Meeting
  • Sedgwick County
  • Downtown

The Wichita/Sedgwick County Access Advisory Board will hold its next regular meeting on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 10:00 AM in downtown Wichita. The session takes place at 610 N. Main St., Wichita, KS 67202, according to the city's official calendar. The meeting is open to the public and follows the standard agenda format used by joint city-county advisory bodies.

The Access Advisory Board is a joint Wichita-Sedgwick County body that advises local government on accessibility issues affecting residents with disabilities. Boards of this type typically review public projects, infrastructure plans, and policies through an accessibility lens, then forward recommendations to city and county staff and elected officials. The group's work covers curb cuts, sidewalk design, building access, transit accommodations, signage, and similar concerns across the metro. Board meetings are open to the public, with time generally set aside for residents to address the panel directly during a public-comment window.

For locals who use wheelchairs, have mobility limitations, or simply want stronger ADA compliance around town, these meetings are where accessibility concerns get formally raised and tracked. A resident who has been waiting months for a broken sidewalk ramp to be repaired, or who wants to weigh in on a new public building's entrance design, can put that issue in front of the people who can route it to the right department. The advisory board does not have final say on city policy, but its recommendations carry weight with both Wichita and Sedgwick County officials.

The meeting starts at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. There is no cost to attend. The 610 N. Main St. address is in downtown Wichita near the city's municipal complex, and visitors should check the city's website for visitor parking and entry instructions before arriving. A full agenda, when posted, will appear on the Wichita city calendar at the source link. Anyone who wants to speak during the public-comment portion should plan to arrive a few minutes early to sign in, and anyone who cannot attend in person can watch for a posted meeting summary or minutes on the city's board pages afterward.

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Animal Services Advisory Board Meets Wednesday at Evergreen

Animal Services Advisory Board Meets Wednesday at Evergreen

Public meeting, north-side Wichita, 5 pm Wednesday

  • Animal Services
  • Advisory Board
  • Public Meeting
  • Evergreen
  • City Of Wichita

The Animal Services Advisory Board convenes Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 5:00 pm at the Evergreen Community Center & Library, 2601 N Arkansas in Wichita. The session is open to the public and runs as part of the city's regular oversight of animal services operations, policy, and budget priorities. Anyone interested in how Wichita handles animal welfare is welcome to attend, and time is typically reserved for resident comments during the open portion of the agenda.

The Animal Services Advisory Board advises Wichita's Animal Services division on shelter operations, animal welfare policy, and community-facing programs. According to the City of Wichita calendar listing, the meeting follows the standard advisory board format with a posted agenda. Members typically review shelter statistics, intake and adoption trends, public safety issues involving animals, and recommendations brought forward by residents and advocates. Recommendations from the board feed into how the division deploys field staff, manages shelter capacity, and prioritizes spay and neuter outreach across the city.

The Evergreen Community Center & Library sits on the north side of Wichita, near the Arkansas River corridor, and serves as a regular venue for civic meetings. The site offers free parking and is on a Wichita Transit route. Residents interested in animal welfare issues, pet licensing, or shelter policy can attend and, depending on the agenda, offer public comment during the open portion. The board's recommendations shape how Wichita handles stray animals, adoption promotions, low-cost spay and neuter programs, and field response across all council districts.

The meeting begins at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at the Evergreen Community Center & Library. There is no admission fee, and parking is available on site. The City of Wichita's calendar page lists the event under EID 3734 and posts agendas and minutes online; check wichita.gov for the latest packet before the meeting. Anyone with questions about specific agenda items can contact the city clerk's office through the city's main website.

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Park City Council Meets Tuesday at City Hall

Park City Council Meets Tuesday at City Hall

Tuesday night, your local government at work

  • Park City
  • City Council
  • City Hall
  • Civic
  • Public Meeting
  • September 2026

The Park City Council holds its next regular meeting on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 7:00 pm in the council chambers at 1941 E 61st Street North. The meeting is open to the public, and residents are welcome to attend in person, according to the City of Park City calendar.

Council meetings are where the city's elected officials vote on ordinances, budgets, contracts, and other matters that shape day-to-day life in Park City. Attending in person is one of the most direct ways for residents to keep tabs on local decisions, raise concerns during public comment, or simply see how their representatives work through the issues on the agenda.

Agendas and supporting documents are typically posted ahead of the meeting on the City of Park City website, so anyone planning to attend can review the items up for discussion beforehand. Anyone with specific questions about a particular agenda item can usually contact City Hall during regular business hours for clarification.

The meeting begins at 7:00 pm at 1941 E 61st Street North, Park City, KS 67219. There is no cost to attend, and parking is available on site. Anyone seeking additional details, including the meeting agenda, should check the City of Park City's calendar page or contact City Hall directly.

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Bel Aire Tree Board to Meet September 28

Bel Aire Tree Board to Meet September 28

Bel Aire's Tree Board meets Monday, September 28, 2026, at 6 PM at 7651 E. Central Park Avenue.

  • Tree Board
  • Bel Aire
  • City Meeting
  • Public Meeting
  • Urban Forestry

The Bel Aire Tree Board will hold its next regular meeting on Monday, September 28, 2026, at 6:00 PM at 7651 E. Central Park Avenue in Bel Aire, according to the city's online calendar. The Tree Board is one of the city's standing advisory committees and convenes on a recurring schedule through the year, with dates posted publicly in advance.

Tree Boards in Kansas cities typically serve in an advisory role to the city council on urban forestry matters. That work commonly includes recommendations on tree planting in public rights-of-way, pruning and removal policies, species selection for new plantings, and storm-damage follow-up that affects city trees. Boards of this kind also often review development plans for tree-preservation compliance and help coordinate community greening efforts such as Arbor Day plantings. Because the Bel Aire calendar entry does not list specific agenda items for the September 28 meeting, residents looking for detailed discussion topics should check the posted agenda closer to the meeting date or contact City Hall for the full packet.

Meetings of the Tree Board are open to the public, and Bel Aire residents are welcome to attend. City boards of this kind generally include an open public-comment period, which gives neighbors a chance to raise concerns about specific trees in their area, request new plantings on their street, or weigh in on proposed policy changes. For anyone curious about how Bel Aire manages its community tree canopy or how decisions about public trees get made, attending a Tree Board meeting is a low-effort way to stay engaged with local government without a large time commitment. Agendas for board meetings are typically posted to the city website a few days before each session.

The meeting begins at 6:00 PM at 7651 E. Central Park Avenue, Bel Aire, KS 67226. There is no fee to attend, and parking is available on site. Residents who want the meeting agenda in advance, or who need to confirm whether the meeting has been rescheduled, should check the city's calendar page or contact Bel Aire City Hall directly before heading over.

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Clearwater Municipal Court moves to 3:30 pm on first and third Wednesdays

Clearwater Municipal Court shifts from evening to afternoon sessions, effective July 1, 2026.

When
Wed, Jul 01 · 1:00 PM – 10:30 AM
Where
Clearwater Municipal Court
Tickets
Free / no ticket
  • Clearwater
  • Municipal Court
  • Schedule Change
  • Public Notice

Clearwater Municipal Court will pull its sessions forward by more than two hours starting July 1, 2026, according to a public notice dated April 29 and posted to the City of Clearwater website. Under the change, the court will convene at 3:30 pm on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month, replacing the current 6 pm start time. The notice gives residents just over two months to plan around the new schedule.

The shift matters for anyone with business before the judge, including defendants, attorneys, witnesses, victims, and family members who typically sit in the gallery. Moving court from the dinner hour into the mid-afternoon keeps the session inside the normal city workday, which lets court staff handle filings, paperwork, and follow-up while their offices are still open. For some residents the new afternoon slot will be a relief, removing the need to rush across town after work. For others, an afternoon hearing may force a half-day off the job, depending on how their employer handles time off.

The twice-monthly cadence does not change, only the time of day. Court will still meet on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month, just starting at 3:30 pm instead of 6 pm. Anyone with a scheduled appearance should double-check the time before making the trip, since printed summonses, attorney calendars, or reminder cards may still show the old 6 pm slot. The notice does not flag any change to the court's location, presiding judge, or jurisdiction, only its start time.

Sessions are held at the Clearwater Municipal Court inside City Hall. There is no fee to attend a public hearing, though anyone with a ticket or case is expected to appear at their scheduled date and time. For case-specific questions, residents can contact City Hall during normal business hours. The full public notice is posted on the City of Clearwater website, and residents with questions about the change can call or visit City Hall before the July 1 effective date.

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Road Work Planned in Clearwater on Ross Street and S. Tracy

Road Work Planned in Clearwater on Ross Street and S. Tracy

  • Clearwater
  • Road Work
  • Sedgwick County
  • Traffic
  • Public Works

Sedgwick County Public Works crews are working in and around Clearwater this week and next, according to the city's news and notices page. The first front is along Ross Street, with crews moving east through town toward 119th Street. A second push is planned for the S. Tracy area on Saturday, weather and scheduling permitting. The city posted the alert to give drivers a heads up before the work picks up.

Ross Street serves as a key east-west corridor through Clearwater, and the work heading toward 119th Street puts crews near the eastern edge of town. That stretch sees steady traffic from residents and from anyone cutting through between U.S. 54 and the surrounding rural area to the east, so drivers should plan for slowdowns and possible lane shifts as the work moves along. Because the project is spread across two fronts over roughly a two-week window, anyone who lives in or regularly passes through Clearwater will likely run into a work zone at some point.

The Saturday work in the S. Tracy area is the second piece of the project. Because that piece is weather and scheduling permitting, the city is signaling residents should check back before heading out. Anyone with weekend plans that take them through south Clearwater should factor in potential delays or a detour, especially if rain pushes the work to a different day. The city has not said whether the Saturday work will run a full day or just a few hours.

The city's announcement does not list specific start or end times for either work zone, and no project budget figures were published. Sedgwick County Public Works, rather than the city of Clearwater itself, is leading the work, which means questions about the specific scope and schedule are best directed to the county. Residents looking for a timeline can monitor the city's news and notices page for updates as the project moves along.

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