Together with Wichita Riverfest

Wichita Riverfest is almost here and while there is plenty to just watch, wouldn’t it be more fun to play?

Check Out the Participatory Events:

• Cowboy Bathtub Races

• Fidelity Bank River Run

• Gravel Grinder

• Sundown Parade - Cash Prizes 💸

• Rave at Wave

• FutureFest

• Children's Entrepreneur Market

• Networking at Noon

• Riverfest Photography Contest - Cash Prizes 💸

• KAKE Touch-A-Truck

• Plein Air Art Competition - Cash Prizes 💸

• Riverfest Fishing Derby

• Bob Struble Golf Classic

• Artfest Pop Up Market

• Cardboard Regatta - Cash Prizes 💸

• Pitch-A-Friend

Explore Wichita: A Summer of Museums

School’s almost out. Summer’s almost here.

Which means it’s time to find things to do with the kids that don’t involve screen time.

Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing, a dose of culture, or just some sweet, sweet air conditioning, Wichita’s museums offer something for everyone.

And hey, even if you don’t have kids, consider this your reminder to go explore your city like a tourist (or flaneur like my friend Rolf Potts would say). Wichita’s packed with impressive museums — easy to take for granted when they’re right in our backyard.

Take a look, save it for later, and let us know what we missed!

🌸 Botanica, The Wichita Gardens

Let’s start with a fan favorite. Botanica isn’t just a garden, it’s an immersive, blooming experience. The experience is different depending on time of year (like Tulip Fest in the spring), but it’s a great time for family or friends. Don't miss the Butterfly House and Koch Carousel Garden (my kids’ favorite, that is sometimes conveniently “not available”…), perfect for a dreamy summer afternoon. They also host some awesome events like Symphony in the Gardens this Friday.

🧪 Exploration Place

Science is way cooler when you’re shooting rockets, flying drones, or watching tornado simulations. Exploration Place is a STEM playground for all ages with interactive exhibits, rotating features, and one of the best views of the river from their back patio.

Their traveling exhibits make it exciting no matter when you go - like Super Heroes, Dinosaurs, Sharks, etc. The new Amphitheater is amazing, and the new playscape is about to be a gamechanger for downtown.

🚂 Great Plains Transportation Museum

Got a train-obsessed kid (or adult) in the house? The Great Plains Transportation Museum features actual locomotive engines, cabooses, and railcars you can climb into. It’s not open daily, so check ahead, but if you time it right, it's a perfect downtown stop for transportation lovers.

🏛️ The Kansas African American Museum

The Kansas African American Museum is a powerful tribute to African American history in Kansas and beyond. With rotating exhibits, cultural celebrations, and historical deep-dives, it’s a must-visit for learning about the people and stories often left out of textbooks.

🏆 Kansas Sports Hall of Fame

Whether you’re reliving Wichita State’s Final Four run or brushing up on local legends like Barry Sanders or Lynette Woodard, the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame celebrates Kansas’s rich athletic legacy. It’s inside the Wichita Boathouse, so you get a double dose of history and scenic river views.

🪶 Mid-America All-Indian Museum

Located near the iconic Keeper of the Plains, the Mid-America All-Indian Museum shares the stories, art, and culture of Native American communities with a special focus on the Plains tribes. The Blackbear Bosin collection alone is worth the visit, and they frequently host storytelling events and hands-on art experiences.

🌍 Museum of World Treasures

Mummies. Dinosaurs. A section of the Berlin Wall. No, you’re not in the Smithsonian, this is Wichita’s Museum of World Treasures, and it’s absolutely packed. From military history to ancient civilizations to pop culture artifacts, it’s the kind of place you could spend hours at.

🤠 Old Cowtown Museum

Want to feel like you just stepped into a Western movie? Cowtown is your spot. This living history museum recreates life in the 1800s, complete with costumed interpreters, horse-drawn wagons, and old-timey storefronts. It’s part museum, part time machine, and fully immersive fun for families.

🖼 Wichita Art Museum

Modern meets classic in one of the region’s best art institutions. The Wichita Art Museum features works by major American artists (including Edward Hopper and Mary Cassatt), a b-e-a-utiful glass chandelier by Dale Chihuly, and a sculpture garden perfect for a summer stroll.

🎨 Ulrich Museum of Art (WSU)

Located on Wichita State University’s campus, the Ulrich is a hub for contemporary art and thought-provoking exhibitions. It’s home to one of the best outdoor sculpture collections in the country, with more than 80 works spread across campus. Inside, you'll find rotating exhibits from local and global artists, and admission is always free. It’s a great spot for art lovers looking to go beyond the classics.

🕰 Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum

Housed in the stunning 1890 City Hall building (you’ve probably driven by and admired the clock tower), the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum tells the story of Wichita’s past. From aviation to architecture, it’s a great place to understand how the Air Capital came to be.

✈ Kansas Aviation Museum

You can’t talk about Wichita without talking about aviation. The Kansas Aviation Museum is located in the original Wichita Municipal Airport terminal and is surrounded by aircraft both historic and massive. Inside, you'll find interactive exhibits, flight simulators, and a rich collection celebrating our aviation legacy.

🎟 Two Summer Hacks to Save on Museum Visits

Sunflower Summer Pass:
If you have K-12 students in your life, Sunflower Summer is a no-brainer. This program offers free admission to participating museums, attractions, and parks across Kansas, including many in Wichita. Download the app and start planning your free adventures: sunflowersummer.org. (It’s a bit different this year, so review the details)

Riverfest Button Benefits:
Your Riverfest button is more than just a music and fireworks pass. It also unlocks discounts at local museums, including free or reduced admission days. So wear your button with pride and take advantage of the perks: See full benefits here

Final Thoughts

Wichita’s museums are more than just rainy-day backups. They’re vibrant, educational, and ever-changing spaces that bring our city’s past, present, and future to life. Whether you’re a parent plotting summer activities or a lifelong Wichitan looking to shake up your weekend routine, there’s something new to explore right around the corner.

So... what did we miss?

Know of a hidden gem museum, a small gallery, or a quirky roadside exhibit that deserves the spotlight? Let us know, we’re always updating this guide and would love to hear your recommendations.

What do you want to see us go deep on in a future deep dive?

Let us know!

Together with Heal Without Harm

Tired of a healthcare system that prioritizes profits over patients? 

Meet Dr. Clayton Dir, a Wichita-based physical therapist exposing the pitfalls of modern medicine—and doing something about it. 

On the Heal Without Harm podcast, Dr. Dir sits down with local and nationally known guests to share client success stories, explore new approaches to health and medicine, and bust common myths about pain and recovery. If you’ve ever felt let down by traditional care, this podcast is your antidote.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you listen to podcasts!

Quick Event Rundown

• HeritageFest | The Heritage in Andover | 5/17

• Asian Night Market | Equity Bank Park | 5/24

• Wichita Riverfest | Downtown Wichita | 5/30 - 6/7

• Somewhere Fest & Conference | Downtown Wichita | 6/13 - 6/14

• Nate Bargatze | Intrust Bank Arena | 12/10 (rescheduled from September)