Little Family Adventure

Active Family Travel and Lifestyle Website

Wichita keeper statue against sunset

Where to Find the Cool Places in Wichita, Kansas (Hint: They’re Everywhere)

Let me tell you about a little secret I discovered during my recent trip to Wichita, Kansas—this city has way more cool factor than anyone gives it credit for. And trust me, I should know. I’ve been road-tripping across the country for years, both solo and with my teenagers in tow.

I’ve gotten pretty good at sniffing out places that are actually worth your time. Let me tell you about the best places in Wichita for families who enjoy something a bit different.

This article contains affiliate links. We earn from qualifying purchases.

blank

Look there sculpture in Wichita
Look there sculpture in Wichita

From Huntsville to Wichita: A Full-Circle Moment

Back in 2016, I took my very first travel media trip to Huntsville for a pre-TBEX tour. It was my first travel conference, and honestly, I was so shy. But you know what? Some of the people I met on that trip are still my closest friends today.

There’s something magical about discovering a new place with fellow travel enthusiasts—the kind of conversations that happen over shared meals, the inside jokes that develop during walking tours, the genuine connections that form when you’re all experiencing something new together. It creates lasting bonds that go far beyond a simple conference badge exchange.

Fast-forward to 2025, and here I am heading back to Ireland for TBEX Europe in Donegal and to the Midwest for TBEX Summit in Wichita. Living just 2¼ hours away in Oklahoma City, I couldn’t resist scouting ahead to share what this “Cowtown” was all about. That same spirit of discovery that drew me to travel blogging nearly a decade ago was calling me north to Kansas. Spoiler alert: Many first-time visitors are completely wrong about what they’d find.

(NOTE: If you want to join me at this year’s TBEX Summit (October 1-4), I have a money saving code (35% off) for you at the end of this article). Visit Wichita sponsors this article and all opinions are my own.

Why Wichita Surprised This Seasoned Road Tripper

I’ll be honest—many expect another sleepy Midwest city. What I found instead is a place where aviation history meets modern creativity, where you can dine next to landing aircraft, watch synchronized drone shows light up the night sky, and where a simple walk downtown reveals public art, speakeasies, and some of the most welcoming locals I’ve encountered.

Wichita Air Capital of the World
Wichita Air Capital of the World

Wichita earned its “Cowtown” nickname in the 1860s as a cattle trading post on the Chisholm Trail. But in the 1920s and ’30s, it transformed into “The Air Capital of the World.” Companies like Beechcraft, Cessna, and Learjet put down roots here, and that aviation heritage is woven into the city’s DNA in the coolest ways imaginable.

Aviation Heritage That Actually Engages You

small plane at Stearman airfield Wichita
small plane at Stearman Airfield Wichita at the local fly in and dine grill

Stearman Field Bar & Grill

This is hands-down one of the coolest dining experiences I’ve had in Kansas. You’re eating bar food and pizzas while small aircraft land just 20 yards away. You can be glued to the windows watching planes come and go. There’s even a playground outside for younger kids, making it perfect for families. Pro tip: grab a spot on the patio for the full experience. Website

Aviation exhibit at Exploration Place Wichita
Aviation exhibit at Exploration Place Wichita

Exploration Place: Where Science Meets Adventure

If you’re traveling with kids (or you’re just an aviation geek like me), don’t miss the aviation exhibit at Exploration Place. This hands-on science museum is where learning becomes an adventure. Kids can pilot flight simulators, explore interactive exhibits about Kansas’s role in aviation history, and engage with STEM concepts without even realizing they’re learning.

But here’s where it gets even cooler: April through October, the museum grounds transform into an entertainment destination. Riverflix brings free outdoor movie nights every Friday, while Saturday mornings feature free yoga in the park along the Arkansas River. During TBEX weekend (October 3-5, 2025), visitors will witness the spectacular Drone Light Festival—more than 300 synchronized drones creating light shows against the night sky. It’s the kind of cutting-edge spectacle that proves Wichita is anything but behind the times.

two women sitting at vintage Pizza Hut table inside PH museum
A look inside the Pizza Hut Museum

The Original Pizza Hut Museum: Entrepreneurial Dreams in Miniature

Okay, hear me out on this one. I know it sounds touristy, but this tiny building where Pizza Hut began in 1958 is genuinely fascinating. Two Wichita University brothers started a global empire here, and seeing where it all began gives you serious entrepreneurial feels. The museum showcases original artifacts, vintage memorabilia, and the humble beginnings of what became an international brand. Plus, it’s a quick museum stop—perfect if you’re traveling with impatient children or are simply a pizza history fan.

Art and Culture Around Every Corner

Keeper of the Plains: Sacred Ground and Spectacular Ceremony

This 44-foot steel sculpture standing where the Big and Little Arkansas rivers meet is Instagram gold, but it’s so much more than a photo opportunity. This land between the two rivers is sacred ground to Native American people, and the sculpture honors that heritage with dignity and respect.

Keeper of the Plains - fire ceremony at night
Keeper of the Plains – fire ceremony at night

Here’s the insider tip: come back at sunset for the Ring of Fire ceremony. For 15 minutes each evening, flames light up around the Keeper of the Plains, creating this incredible moment that feels almost mystical. The ceremony happens nightly at dusk, and watching those flames dance against the twilight sky while the rivers flow beneath you—I’ve seen a lot of public art in my travels, but this one hits different. It’s a moment that connects you to both the natural beauty and cultural significance of this place.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hidden Gems

Frank Llyod Wright Allen House interior
custom-made table and ornate glasswork inside the dining room at Allen House

Most people don’t realize Wichita has not one, but two Frank Lloyd Wright buildings. The Allen House Museum is the star. USA Today ranked it in the top 10 Wright home tours, and after visiting, I understand why. The prairie style architecture and original furnishings are stunning, but here’s the cool part: you can also see Wright’s Corbin Education Center on Wichita State’s campus. Two Wright buildings in one city? That’s more than most major cities can claim.

Frank Llyod Wright Allen House exterior
exterior view from the garden

Book one of the two guided tours offered at the Allen House for a closer look. You’ll be able to see the fine details and stories behind the Allen family that commissioned the house, plus the innovative elements Wright incorporated into his designs. Note: Photos of the interior can only be taken on the longer Grand Tour.

Downtown’s creative corridor makes me happy. The Workroom has this eclectic mix of local art, unique local finds, and the Bubbles Champagne Bar, while Gallery Alley across the street is a colorful corridor featuring kinetic sculptures, murals, and interactive art installations.

woman shopping at the Workroom Wichita
hopping at the Workroom Wichita

It’s the kind of authentic local scene that makes an art lovers heart happy—not manufactured for tourists, but genuinely created by and for the community.

Food Scene That Goes Way Beyond BBQ

Banana Bread French Toast - Doo Dah Diner
Banana Bread French Toast – Doo Dah Diner

Doo-Dah Diner: Celebrity-Approved Comfort Food

I love visiting the local restaurants that residents visit themselves. Doo-Dah has been a Wichita staple for decades. When I learned that Harrison Ford and Henry Winkler ate here, I knew I had to try it. The banana bread French toast (gluten-free, thank goodness) is incredible, and the whole vibe is whimsical and welcoming. Fair warning: it gets busy on weekends, so be prepared to wait. Trust me, it’s worth it. Portions are generous, so bring an appetite too.

Filet and drink at Public
Coffee and mushroom powder crusted Filet and local kombucha at Public

Public at Brick Yard: Kansas’s Quirky Food Tradition

Here’s something I never knew that I think everyone should experience: at Public, when you order chili, it often comes with a cinnamon roll. Sounds weird, tastes amazing. Public in Old Town is where I first learned of this delightful Kansas tradition, and now I’m convinced every state needs to adopt it. It’s not always on the menu, but everything on their menu, especially the daily specials board—will excite your taste buds. Plus, they often have live music on the patio, creating the perfect atmosphere for lingering over dinner.

croissant and latte

Reverie Coffee Roasters: Caffeinated Traveler’s Paradise

As someone who needs good coffee to function, Reverie became my morning sanctuary. This award-winning roastery sources ingredients locally and creates the kind of atmosphere where you can linger with your laptop or journal. Perfect for travelers who need a quiet moment to plan their day or reflect on their adventures.

Be sure to fuel up with something from their food case—from special muffaletta croissants to fresh-baked muffins, it’s the perfect way to start a busy day of exploration.

The Cocktail Scene Is Real

I know many people are all about craft beer, but I’m not that girl. Cocktails and wine are more my scene and Wichita makes me happy with these two offerings.

dockum cocktails
dockum cocktails

Dockum Speakeasy feels like a hidden gem with its house-made everything and craft cocktails that actually taste crafted. Located in the basement of the Ambassador Hotel, you’ll need to knock on the door three times for entry—it’s that authentic speakeasy experience you didn’t know you were looking for.

tiki drinks at Lava and Tonic
tiki drinks at Lava and Tonic

Lava & Tonic, Wichita’s first tiki bar, is exactly the kind of unexpected find that makes a trip memorable. Order your favorite tiki drink or opt for a creative mocktail instead. Both are perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Adventures for Every Travel Style

For Families: Sedgwick County Zoo

This place is making headlines with African elephant births and baby animals galore. When I visited, everyone was talking about the baby chimp and the three African elephant calves. The Stingray Cove, now included in admission, lets kids get hands-on with marine life, while the Safari Express gives little legs a break between exhibits. Even as a solo traveler, I found myself charmed by the snow leopard exhibit and the playful antics of the river otters.

African elephant herd at Sedgwicj County Zoo
Two of the new African elephant calves with the herd

The zoo spans multiple continents with themed areas—get to know the gorillas and elephants of Africa, visit bison and bears native to North America, and see eye-to-eye with endangered orangutans and tigers from Asia. It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend a full day and still discover something new around every corner.

For the Adventure-Seekers: Tanganyika Wildlife Park

Swimming with penguins? Yes, please. Located about 20 minutes outside Wichita in nearby Goddard, this wildlife park takes the typical zoo experience and cranks it up to eleven. The interactive experiences here are unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere—you can get up close with lemurs, feed giraffes, and yes, actually swim with Humboldt penguins.

woman holding a Penguin at Tanganyika
Penguin Swim Tanganyika

The park’s philosophy centers on conservation through connection. When you can look a kangaroo in the eye or feel the gentle touch of a penguin’s flipper, you develop a deeper appreciation for wildlife conservation. It’s worth the short drive for experiences you literally cannot get anywhere else in Kansas.

For the Social Crowd: Chicken N Pickle

This entertainment complex combines food, drinks, and activities in a way that just works. Think upscale sports bar meets activity center—you can play pickleball, cornhole, or other lawn games while enjoying craft cocktails and elevated bar food. During my visit, they were hosting their Summer Music Series, featuring live bands and a backyard festival atmosphere.

Chicken N Pickle night time
Chicken N Pickle at night during summer concert series

Perfect for groups, conference networking, or anyone who gets restless just sitting at a restaurant. The energy here is infectious, and it’s exactly the kind of place where strangers become friends over a shared game of pickleball. My teenagers would have loved the social energy and variety of activities.

For Sports Lovers: Where Wichita Gets Competitive

Intrust Bank Arena serves as the heartbeat of Wichita’s sports scene, hosting everything from minor league hockey with the Wichita Thunder to major concerts and sporting events. The 15,000-seat arena brings big-city entertainment energy to the Midwest, and catching a Thunder game gives you that authentic local sports experience that every sports fan craves.

For baseball fans, Equity Bank Park at Riverfront Stadium is home to the Wichita Wind Surge, the Double-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. There’s something magical about minor league baseball—the intimate atmosphere, affordable concessions, and the chance to see future major leaguers honing their craft. Plus, the stadium offers great views of the downtown skyline, making it perfect for those Instagram-worthy sports shots.

Wichita State University brings serious college basketball energy with the Shockers playing at Charles Koch Arena. The program has a passionate fanbase and a history of March Madness success that makes any game an electric experience. Even if you’re not a college basketball fan, the campus energy during game days is infectious.

District Hopping Made Easy

city sidewalk in Wichita

Old Town/Downtown

This is where I spent most of my time, and for good reason. Everything’s walkable, the architecture tells stories of Wichita’s evolution from cattle town to modern city, and there’s this perfect mix of historic charm and contemporary energy. Plus, parking isn’t a nightmare like in bigger cities—a road tripper’s dream.

The Arkansas River path runs right along downtown, offering scenic walks or bike rides. Public art installations dot the landscape, and you’ll find everything from historic theaters to modern galleries within a few blocks of each other.

Showing off my new terrarium with pitcher plant
DIY Terrarium at Grow
DIY Terrarium at Grow
woman reading at Grow in Wichita

Grow Plant Bar adds a unique twist to downtown’s offerings—this isn’t your typical coffee shop or bar. Here, you can build your own terrarium while sipping a carefully crafted coffee or cocktail (alcohol or THC infused). It’s the perfect blend of creativity and relaxation, whether you’re looking for a solo activity to unwind after a day of exploring or a unique group experience. The hands-on terrarium building makes it an Instagram-worthy stop that doubles as a memorable souvenir of your Wichita visit.

Historic Delano District

Hatman Jack’s being the third-largest hat shop in the country is reason enough to visit, but the whole district has this creative, eclectic vibe that draws you in.

Hatman Jack's people with hats
My first hat hat

This is where I went when I was ready to buy my first hat that wasn’t a baseball cap. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and they know just the right hat to make you look great.

Bungalow 26 items
Locally crafted or inspired goods at Bungalow 26

Bungalow 26 offers an eclectic mix of locally themed goods, handcrafted toiletries, and unique gifts. The calming smelling salts made famous on a popular reality show are actually crafted by the shop’s owner and can be found here—talk about a conversation starter.

Bradley Fair Area

This open-air shopping area, located about 8 miles from downtown, has everything you need within walking distance. There are over fifty shops, diverse dining options, fountains, and nature paths that offer suburban convenience while making travel logistics easier.

Bakesale cookie and coffee

Four of my favorite local restaurants are here: Bakesale Treat Parlor and Cocoa Dolce are the destinations for locally made pastries and artisanal chocolates. First Mile Kitchen sources local ingredients for fresh, seasonal food that elevates brunch to new levels with their live-fire hearth cooking. HomeGrown wins hearts with their freshly made Pop’d Tarts, cooked-to-order breakfast, and creative lunch options that showcase local ingredients.

Popd Tart at Homegrown
Popd Tart at Homegrown

Practical Tips for Fellow Road Trippers

For TBEX Attendees:

  • If you haven’t registered for TBEX Summit October 1-4, 2025, use my discount code lilfam35 to save 35% off registration. 
  • The Hyatt Regency Wichita is the host hotel, perfectly positioned along the river adjacent to the convention center
  • The Fairfield Inn and Suites Downtown Wichita offers another excellent lodging option within walking distance—I stayed here during my last visit and found it ideal for conference logistics
  • The downtown district creates perfect opportunities for networking meetups, with plenty of coffee shops, breweries, and restaurants within easy walking distance of conference venues.

For Families:

  • The zoo and Exploration Place can easily fill a full day, with Tanganyika Wildlife Park perfect for a second day of adventure.
  • Most restaurants are both kid and budget-friendly making them a winning combination for family travel.
  • Parking is generally free and plentiful throughout the city (seriously, a road tripper’s dream).

For Solo Travelers:

  • Wichita feels incredibly safe for solo exploration, with well-lit downtown streets and friendly locals who genuinely seem happy to help visitors.
  • Coffee shops and breweries welcome laptop workers and provide comfortable spaces for planning your next moves.
  • The riverside walking paths are perfect for morning runs or evening strolls, offering peaceful moments to reflect on your travels.

The Everywhere Factor

Here’s what I learned during my recent Wichita adventure: cool places aren’t always where you expect them. 

  1. Sometimes they’re in a city that people fly over without a second thought. Sometimes they’re hiding behind a “Cowtown” nickname that doesn’t tell the whole story. Sometimes they’re in the form of 300 drones lighting up the sky or a sacred fire ceremony that happens every single night, regardless of whether tourists show up to watch.
  2. Wichita taught me that the best discoveries happen when you approach a place with curiosity instead of assumptions. Whether you’re a travel blogger heading to TBEX, a family looking for your next road trip destination, or a solo traveler seeking authentic experiences, this city delivers in ways that will surprise you.
  3. From that first nervous trip to Huntsville in 2016—where I met people who became lifelong friends—to confidently exploring Wichita solo nearly a decade later, my travel journey has taught me that the best destinations are often the ones that don’t feel the need to oversell themselves. 

Wichita doesn’t shout about being cool—it just is. And honestly? That’s the coolest thing about it.

Ready to discover your own “everywhere” cool places? Start with Wichita. It’s closer than you think, more interesting than you imagine, and exactly the kind of place that reminds you why road trips are the best way to see America.

Planning a visit? Email me for help. I am a certified FORA travel advisor and can help with all your travel needs and planning.

For more family travel inspiration, check out our latest posts here:

blank

About Nicky Omohundro

Nicky Omohundro is a travel and active family lifestyle blogger and social media influencer based out of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She shares stories, destinations, and ideas on food, family, health, and outdoor recreation to help families find their own adventures. Her spirit animal is a caffeinated squirrel fueled by coffee, real food, and the desire to seek new adventures.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *