If You’re Seeking Big Culture with Midwestern Warmth, Then Wichita Is Your Unexpected Arts & Adventure Escape

Located on the grounds of Wichita State University, the Ulrich Museum of Art houses both contemporary and modern art, and is one of the top Wichita attractions. With an intention to connect the region with artists and artwork that reflect the modern world, Ulrich Museum has permanent and temporary exhibits that are open to the public.

The museum provides visitors with the chance to explore 20th and 21st century art, while receiving interpretive explanations of how the work offers innovative perspectives and rethinks traditional expectations. The museum is also home to the Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection, a 76-piece set that consistently receives notable national attention.

1845 Fairmount St, Wichita, Kansas, Phone: 316-978-3664

Frank Lloyd Wright's Allen House is one of the last additions to the famous designer’s Prairie home collection, and one of the best things to do in Wichita, Kansas. Frank Lloyd Wright designed the house, and he himself considered this piece one of his personal bests. Designed to allow visitors engage with natural landscapes while feeling that they are living among nature, the home represents Wright’s perspective on prairie living.

Originally designed in 1915, the home has been restored to its 1918 condition. It now functions as a museum, and guests are able to tour the home and experience Wright’s architectural gift and design philosophy. The house is open by appointment and each tour lasts about 1.5 hours.

255 N Roosevelt St, Wichita, Kansas, Phone: 316-687-1027

The Sedgwick County Zoo is a major Wichita attraction that has received national and international attention for its conservation efforts and breeding success among endangered and rare animals. The zoo is home to 500 species of 2,500 animals, which reside in custom and naturally authentic habitats. If you are wondering what to do in Wichita KS with kids, this is a great place to visit.

The zoo’s most notable exhibits include the Downing Gorilla Forest, which emulates a Congo village and hosts various monkeys, birds, and a gorilla exhibit. Pride of the Plains takes visitors on a winding tour through series of hogs, meerkats, and lions.

The Tiger Trek is an Asian themed display that features tigers, geese, deer, and red pandas. Finally, a series of Humboldt penguins call the zoo’s Penguin Cove home.

5555 W Zoo Blvd, Wichita, Kansas, Phone: 316-660-9453

Botanica Gardens is a collection of themed gardens covering nearly 20 acres of Wichita land. The permanent gardens include a butterfly garden containing a large, indoor butterfly house, a tropical greenhouse, an aquatic collection, a juniper garden, a rock garden, a rose garden, the Shakespeare garden, and nearly 15 others.

A large children’s garden offers unique opportunities for children to become acquainted with nature and immersed in the environment.

Throughout the year, Botanica is host to a variety of seasonal and visiting events, including a summer concert series, a butterfly festival, and holiday based festivities. Botanica also provides workshops, presentations, and group based classes. More info

701 Amidon St, Wichita, Kansas, Phone: 316-264-0448

The Museum of World Treasures is a large and diverse world history museum. The museum’s collection spans across time, showcasing a varied array of subjects, characters, and eras. The first floor of the museum features three large dinosaur specimens, including a tyrannosaurus, an authentic Egyptian mummy, ancient Roman coins, and information on each of the civilizations of the ancient world.

The second floor features world leaders, military history, and historical royalty, and displays include signatures from every American president, original War artifacts, and a replica of the President’s Resolute desk. The third floor features pop culture icons, including sports artifacts, movie memorabilia, and collections of arts and literature.

835 E 1st St N, Wichita, Kansas, Phone: 316-263-1311

The Great Plains Nature Center is an indoor and outdoor nature preserve that allows guests to become acquainted with the flora and fauna of the Great Plains Region.

The large complex offers guests the opportunity to roam throughout various displays, exhibits, and ecosystem preserves. Each area comes equipped with interpretive literature and educational material to provide information on the zone’s natural qualities, habitat, and regional specifications.

The center’s goal is to connect the public with the environment and to inspire lifelong learning through engagement and immersive experiences. The center also offers a variety of trails, bird watching platforms, a wildlife observatory, and Discovery programs, including classes and workshops.

6232 East 29th St N, Wichita, Kansas, Phone: 316-683-5499

Exploration Place is a hands-on science-learning center in downtown Wichita. The building is nearly 100,000 square feet and is housed on a 20-acre campus. The building is only accessible by walkway, as a moat of water surrounds the unique structure. Inside, guests are able to experience a variety of permanent exhibits, whose intention is to facilitate learning and scientific engagement through entertaining hands-on learning. Exploration Place is one of the best things to do in Wichita, Kansas with kids.

Permanent exhibits include a seven-foot tall mouth replica to demonstrate oral health, a fossil dig, a tornado simulator, a space exhibit, a dinosaur exhibit, and a flight exhibit, which features a real plane propeller and a flight simulator.

300 N McLean Blvd, Wichita, Kansas, Phone: 316-660-0600

Located in downtown Wichita, the Wichita Art Museum is one of the city’s oldest galleries. Established in 1915 and opened to the public in 1935, the museum houses a variety of exhibitions and collections that feature primarily American based artists in numerous mediums and categories.

The museum showcases a permanent collection alongside traveling and temporary displays. Additionally, the museum hosts a variety of programs and events throughout the year including classes, workshops, lectures, and outdoor concerts for both adults and families. A small outdoor garden features a series of sculptures and installations, and an on-site café and gift shop is available for visitor convenience.

1400 Museum Blvd, Wichita, Kansas, Phone: 316-268-4921

The Wichita Sedgwick County Historical Museum is a nonprofit museum dedicated to preserving the history of the city of Wichita and educating the public on the city’s heritage and unique qualities. The museum, located downtown, resides in what was once the original City Hall. The gothic style structure houses four floors of interpretive information and interactive exhibits, all of which are open to the public.

The museum has a variety of permanent exhibits that outline the city’s past, including economic developments, notable figures, and the technological changes that have taken place over time. Throughout the year, the museum also provides feature exhibits and special exhibits, including seasonal displays and special events.

204 S Main St, Wichita, Kansas, Phone: 316-265-9314

One of just a few professional Symphonies in Kansas, the Wichita Symphony Orchestra has been performing for patrons since 1944. The symphony is associated with the Wichita State University’s musical department, and it is comprised of three various ensembles: the Wichita State University Chamber Players, the Wichita Symphony Chorus, and the Singing Quakers Alumni Choir.

Throughout the year, the symphony puts on a variety of performances, ranging in styles from classical tunes to pop music hits to blue jazz songs, and more.

Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center, 225 W Douglas Ave #207, Wichita, Kansas, Phone: 316-267-7658