If you haven’t already, you need to add these places to your Wichita Family Bucket list. There are plenty of reasons why, but first, let me ask you this; has anyone ever told you “There’s nothing to do in Kansas” or that “Kansas is boring”? Because I’m here to tell you that if they have, they’re wrong. Wichita, Kansas, is a great destination for families with kids of all ages. From history and gardens to water parks and zoos, Wichita has it all.

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Your Wichita Family Bucket List Destinations

With all the family-friendly destinations to visit in Wichita, you’re going to have a hard time narrowing it down to just a few. This list should help you as you’re planning your adventure. I’ll go over some of the must-visit locations first. As you move down the list, it will include things that are great if you’re going to be in the area a little longer. I’ll also include some great restaurants and where we stayed at the end.

Tanganyika

If you love animals, especially baby animals, then a visit to Tanganyika Wildlife Park is a must. This unique zoo experience is unlike any other zoo we’ve ever been to. You will encounter animals like no where else allows. They are a breeding zoo too, which means lots of baby animals to see. There are three ticketing options when visiting Tanganyika.

First, just visiting the zoo and it is an amazing one, but for an even greater experience, go for the second or third option. Second, you can choose five animal encounters, these can be spread out among many or choose the same one again and again. Lastly, you can get the option which allows you as many animal encounters as you want all day.

What are these animal encounters, you might be asking. While there were a few that we’ve experienced at other zoos across the country, many were unique to Tanganyika. Feeding the giraffes and riding the camels are things you can do at lots of zoos. However, when you have the ticket option that allows you as many animal encounters as you want, you get to do these things as many times as you like throughout the day.

In addition to these more common place encounters, you will get to interact with other animals that most zoos don’t allow. We were able to feed and touch a rhinoceros. Tossing carrots into the mouth of a pygmy hippo was so much fun. Letting the tortoises chomp lettuce leaves from our hands and lemurs eat out of our palms were unforgettable family memory’s. Petting kangaroos and seeing the little joeys inside their pockets was so cool.

Some of the other things to love about Tanganyika are the very affordable concessions, the fun playground, and that they have misters going when it’s hot out.

Splash Aqua Park

What kid doesn’t love a good water park? On the same note, most kids also jump for joy at any sign of a bounce house. Splash Aqua Park is definitely a place you have to add to your Wichita family bucket list. While this totally new type of water park might be just as exhausting as its counterparts, it is so worth it. It basically combines a water park with a bounce house to create something super fun and different.

You can get one or two hour sessions or rent out the whole site for a party or event. If you think one or two hours isn’t long enough, like we did, let me assure you that it will be plenty of time. Climbing up and down, not to mention across and over, will tire you out before you know it.

This bounce house like structure is an obstacle course on the water. There are climbing walls, swings, slides, and more. The whole time you’re running around, it’s being kept wet by sprinklers. Find your way to the water catapult where you can launch your kids into the air to come down with a splash. It’s a blast.

Splash Aqua Park is located on a small lake. Kids must be 5 years of age or older to participate, but life jackets are provided for everyone. If the parents don’t feel up to the challenge, there are plenty of seats available on the sidelines. Some even have umbrellas to hang out under and watch the kids having fun.

Don’t worry, if you get hungry, there’s even a small concession stand on-site. They offer several small bites, snacks, and drinks. There is a small changing area located near the portable toilets for your convenience.

Old Cowtown Museum

The scene is the 1880s wild west. The environment is both fun and educational. Old Cowtown Museum is a living history museum that takes you back to the early days of Wichita. It is a block lined with historical buildings which all represent places that would have been in Wichita during its birth as a city.

Start your exploration off in the visitor orientation center. Here you will find some signs with the history of each building in the town. You can also watch the video, which will give you a greater understanding of how Wichita came to be. Once you’re done here, you can start exploring Old Cowtown.