Grandparent’s Day is celebrated the first Sunday after Labor Day, and this yea, it falls on September 10th. As you are looking at ways to celebrate that day, think about making a coupon book for your kids to “take” their grandparents to some of the fun and amazing things to do that Wichita has to offer.
Downtown Wichita
If adventure is what you’re after, then head downtown. You can try one of the new bikes through BikeShareICT. They have several locations around town to grab a bike and get a move on. While on your bike you can check out the many sculptures up and down Douglas and grab lunch at the ICT PopUp Park. Food trucks are stationed there Monday-Friday for lunch and several offer dinner and weekend options. If riding a bike isn’t on your to-do list, you can catch the Q-Line Trolley. They’ve added additional stops so you can get from Delano all the way to Clifton Square. With that kind of geography there are a ton of local shops and restaurants to choose from!
Riverside Park/Keeper of the Plains/Troll Hunting
If you’re hosting a sleepover then this excursion might make you the coolest grandparent on the block. You can pack a picnic dinner and head to Riverside Park. While you’re there you can check out the small animal exhibits and play on one of the several playgrounds. They also have a cool splash pad area where you could cool down when it gets too hot (open 10a-8p in the summer). Once you’ve had your fill you can walk over to see if you can find the troll and then watch the Keeper of the Plains light up during the daily Ring of Fire.
O.J. Watson Park
Watson Park would be a great place to spend the day. They offer multiple playgrounds, pony rides, miniature golf, pedal boats, a Yellow Brick Road and more! Get lost roaming the paths and enjoy the time.
Fishing
There are many places around town that allows you to fish. Local spots include Chisholm Creek Park, O.J. Watson Park and Sedgwick County Park. If you want to get out of town, places include El Dorado, Cheney and Winfield Lake, and High Park in Derby. Most fishing holes require a license, but you can get those at local stores such as Wal-Mart or Cabela’s.
Sports
Year round there are sporting events to choose from. Grab the grandkids and popcorn and enjoy the show! If you want to play instead of watch, you could find a local ball field, basketball court or golf course.
Museums
I recently heard Wayne Bryan, artistic director for Music Theatre of Wichita, say something along the lines that because we live in Kansas we have to create our own entertainment/culture. I really thought that was a good way to put it, because Wichita sure does have a lot to offer. The area museums offer a variety to choose from. We have the Wichita Art Museum, Cowtown, Exploration Place and Museum of World Treasures all within a short distance from downtown Wichita. They give grandparents the opportunity to take their grandkids young and old to experience something unique to Wichita. Most even offer free activities throughout the year.
Sedgwick County Zoo
We have one of the best zoos in the country. There’s plenty to see and do at the zoo. They also offer grandparent memberships, so if you plan to go more than once it basically pays for itself. That way if you have young grandchildren who can only last an hour or so, it won’t feel like money wasted.
Ice Cream Flight
We’ve all heard of beer flights but unless your grandkids are 21+ then that might be inappropriate. So instead, take the kids for an ice cream flight! Get 4 different flavors and as many spoons as you need and get to eating. Some of the local, non-chain options include Little Lion Food Truck, 8 Below Rolled Ice Cream and Churn and Burn.
Story Time at Local Libraries or Book Stores
As a working parent, I’m unable to get off work for some of the really fun activities offered at the local library. This would be a great opportunity for grandparents to spend a little one on one time with the kiddos. Keep them home from daycare or hit up story time and take them in a little later. It’s a free activity but all of you would get something rewarding out of it. Local non-library options include Hurts Donuts, Watermark Books and Park Grounds Coffeehouse in Derby. Our complete guide to storytimes in Wichita is available here!
Movies
Whether you’re looking for a first run movie or just something to get you out of the unpredictable Kansas weather, Wichita has you covered. The Palace offers Timewarp Tuesdays for discounted movie prices, The Warren Old Town Theatre offers $5 movies on Wednesdays and once a month the Orpheum has a classic movie as part of their Classic Film Series.
What are some things that you like to do with your grandkids?
