BIG SKIES, FRESH AIR

From family fun to flying solo, Wichita and the surrounding areas offer beautiful sites for outdoor fun and adventure. This river city, established at and along the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas Rivers, makes the most of the setting with bike and walking trails, and river kayaking and paddle boating.

Throughout the city, 144 public parks and 102 miles of bike paths join area lakes, golf courses and outdoor attractions for four seasons full of fun. Runners enjoy races almost every weekend of the year, including a Boston-qualifying marathon in the fall. And Bike Share ICT provides bikes for rent throughout the city.

listen to a local's perspective

The Keeper of the Plains Plaza features a 44-foot steel sculpture of an American Indian created by Wichitan and Native American artist Blackbear Bosin. Erected in 1974, the landmark is now surrounded by a park plaza and features the “Ring of Fire,” burning nightly for 15 minutes. Two pedestrian suspension bridges create ideal walks and bike rides through the heart of the city.

The Sedgwick County Zoo is the number one outdoor tourist attraction in Kansas. Recognized nationally and internationally for conservation programs and breeding of rare and endangered special, the zoo houses 3,000 animals of 400 different species. Key exhibits include the Downing Gorilla Forest, Cessna Penguin Cove, Koch Orangutan & Chimpanzee Habitat, Slawson Family Tiger Trek and the Reed Family Elephants of the Zambezi River Valley, the only elephant exhibit in the world to feature boat rides.

Naftzger Park in downtown Wichita features a pavilion, big screen, green space, a dog park and eateries HomeGrown and Peace, Love & Pie. It’s a prime gathering spot on sunny days for employees of surrounding offices.

Discover unique locations within a short drive using the Ultimate Wichita Day Trip Guide!

Helpful Ways to Get Out and About

Wichita Parks and Recreation
Central Riverside Park
Sedgwick County Park
O.J. Watson Park
Santa Fe State Lake, El Dorado Lake
Old Cowtown Museum
Wichita Public Golf Courses
Bike Walk Wichita
Run Wichita
Great Plains Nature Center
Bartlett Arboretum
Botanica, the Wichita Gardens (check out this blog with an inside look at Botanica's family-friendly attractions)
Old Town Farm and Art Market
Local Farmers' Markets
YPLS Wichita - Co-Ed Softball and Kickball League