Over 20 Things To Do With Kids Under Five in Wichita, KS

Just because you have little ones doesn’t mean you have to be relegated to home all the time. Get out around town with your kids! These are my favorite things to do in Wichita with the preschool set. 
 
Kids Under 5 Wichita, KS
1. Great Plains Nature Center: Stroll through the education center, attend a craft or story time, walk through Chisholm Creek park (they sell turtle food for a quarter at the front desk during open hours), or go to one of their great special events.
 
2. Exploration Place and Exploration Park: The permanent Kansas Kids Connect exhibit is made with your kids 0-5 years in mind, but the whole place is perfect for leisurely fun with the whole family. When the weather is nice their outdoor spaces are fantastic to visit too.
 
3. Wichita Art Museum: You (yes, you!) can, and should, take your kids to the Wichita Art Museum. The Living Room is designed for kids and features tents, a puppet theater, bean bags, books, and crafts. Littles also love playing shoe-free on the Chihuly Bridge upstairs too. Saturdays are always free, Family ArtVenture days are packed with even more crafting and creating, and ArtStart is perfect for your 3-5 year old artists. 
 
4. Wichita Children’s Theater & Dance Center: Schedule a time to enjoy a show from their Picnic Theater Series. The shows are just the right length for little ears and wiggly bums. 
 
5. Botanica, The Wichita Gardens: There are idyllic childhood memories waiting to be made in the Downing Children’s Garden. Other kids’ favorites are the Butterfly House, Chinese Garden of Friendship and the Railroad Garden. When the weather is gloomy spend your time in the Children’s Library. 
 
6. Ride the Q-Line: Preschoolers are sure to get a thrill from hopping on a Q-Line Trolley. Use it to get from A to B in the downtown/Old Town/River area or ride the loop just to see the city pass by.
 
7. Sedgwick County Zoo: This list wouldn’t be complete without the number one outdoor attraction in Kansas. Take your zoo trips a step above by participating in the Wee Wigglers, Owlet and Tot Tuesday Learning Adventures.
 
8. Fountains at Water Walk: Everyone calls it the Bellagio of the Great Plains. Or, is that just me? In front of the historic Wichita Boathouse you’ll see the lovely dancing fountains that also preform with lights and music several times a day. Lucky kids will get sprayed with stray water and can catch frogs in the spring time. 
 
9. Old Cowtown Museum: Step back in time and let your kids run free in Wild West. Check their events calendar for specific kid-friendly offerings, including Hay, Hooves & Halloween and Christmas at Cowtown!
 
10. Wichita State Baseball: For a different take on America’s past time, watch the Shockers play from the uber kid friendly outfield of Eck Stadium. You can pack a picnic and have plenty of space to roam. 
 
 11. Wichita Riverfest: I’m an unapologetic Riverfest lover, especially because there are so many fun activities for young kids. Events change yearly, but perennial favorites are the Sundown Parade, Tot Trot, Wagonmasters River Tour, Kids Korner, the Ice Cream Social…I could go on!
 
12. O.J. Watson Park: I could have highlighted many of the 100+ Wichita parks as all are awesome destinations for littles, but O.J. Watson Park stands out. In addition to green space and play grounds, Watson has a charming, working miniature train, paddleboats (parent manpower required), mini golf, and ponies for riding or gawking at.
 
13. Trampoline Parks: Wichita has three trampoline parks. Aviate and Urban Air both have designated hours exclusively for younger kids; Get Air has a dedicated jumping area just for the littlest jumpers.
 
14. Elderslie Farm: This farm is more than just blackberry picking (although that’s a must if you can snag a you-pick spot). Have a relaxing breakfast on the patio of the Bramble Cafe, swing on the play set, take a tractor ride/tour of the farm, and don’t forget to visit the baby goats.
 
15. Splash Parks: When the summer heat is on there’s no better place to be than one of Wichita’s many splash parks.
 
16. Wichita Thunder: Hockey can be a big hit with young kids. Constant action, lights, music, Zambonis – what’s not to love?!
 
17. Bartlett Arboretum: Nature enthusiasts will surely enjoy introducing their kids to the beauty of Bartlett Arboretum. You can traipse through the gardens, take a swing on the tree swing, or enjoy a concert under the canopy. 
 
18. Stearman Field Bar & Grill: Perhaps the most kid friendly restaurant in Wichita, Stearman has a large patio with a play set, airplanes taking off and landing, and the occasional parachuter.
 
19. Story time: There are dozens of story times all over town, many especially geared toward the 0-5 set. 
 
20. Tanganyika Wildlife Park: For a special wildlife encounter, take kids to Tanganyika. Even the littlest guests can participate in the Cub Club (for ages 1-4) and can have interactive experiences with animals as small as a rabbit and as tall as a giraffe.
 
21. My Gym: For an outlet of pint sized energy consider getting your kiddo into My Gym. Memberships, classes, parties, and drop in parents nights out are available.
 
22. Wichita Wind Surge: Check out everything you need to know about bringing the family to a Wind Surge game here. And don’t forget to enroll in the Kids Club for free tickets to select games. And Sundays, kids run the bases!
 

Do you have a favorite place to take young children around Wichita? Please, share!


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Ginny Ellis
Ginny Ellis is a hometown girl who happily resides in East Wichita with her husband, two young sons, two rowdy dogs, and one spoiled tortoise. Together they enjoy taking part in all our city has to offer, especially if it involves being outdoors, supporting the arts, or is particularly delicious. She is a WAHM who serves as WMB's Events Director as well as holding volunteer positions in Junior League of Wichita, on her neighborhood elementary school's PTO Board, and for United Way of the Plains. Ginny is a podcast enthusiast, laundry folding procrastinator, and insatiable reader who loves the Shockers, theme parties, and her margaritas on the rocks.