Exploration Place in Wichita is just under three hours from Kansas City and a great day or weekend trip for Kansas City families. This hands-on science and discovery center sits right along Wichita’s River District and will keep kids of all ages busy!
The New Adventure Playscape
Exploration Place just opened the Adventure Playscape, a 6.5-acre outdoor space with themed play areas built by internationally known playground designers. You can climb up into an airplane and slide down from the sky, crawl inside a giant bison and more!
The Water Cascade area is especially enticing on hot afternoons!
The Graze concession stand serves fresh lunch options, snacks and ice cream with plenty of space to enjoy at picnic tables in the shade. You can also get a free cup of ice water if you need to hydrate!
What to See and Do Inside
Exploration Place has many permanent exhibit galleries as well as featured traveling exhibit spaces. Here are some of our favorites:
- Design, Build, Fly – Wichita is the “Air Capital of the World,” and this exhibit lets kids test landing gear, rivet a wing, and try flying a simulated jet.
- Explore Kansas – Explore the landscape of Kansas with the highlight of stepping into an EF1 tornado.
- Where Kids Rule – A full, three-story castle with dress-up areas, cannons, medieval kitchen and more. You can even smell life in the medieval times… spoiler: it isn’t good!
- Kansas Kids Connect – A special area for kids 5 and under where they can shop at a farmer’s market, drive a tractor or plant a garden.
- Kansas in Miniature: See what 1950s Kansas looked like down to the tiny details!
- Health Inside Out: Carnival games with a health twist. We spent a lot of time here! Parents might especially enjoy the scream room.
The Dome Theater
Immerse yourself under the soaring 60-foot screen! You’ll find laser shows, kid friendly films and science and nature features. Be sure to check the schedule when you arrive so you can plan your time according to the shows you don’t want to miss. All shows are included with admission!
Location and Parking
Exploration Place is located along Wichita’s Riverfront at 300 N McLean Blvd, Wichita, KS 67203. Parking is adjacent to the building and free!
Admission and Hours
A huge win for families is Exploration Place admission is all inclusive. You’ll get access to all the exhibit galleries, live demonstrations, Dome theater shows, laser shows and access to the outdoor playground and water play all for one price.
- Adults: $21
- Seniors and youth (ages 3-11): $16
- Kids 2 and under: Free
- Families using an EBT/SNAP card can visit for free through the Museums for All program.
Exhibits open at 9 a.m. daily; members can access the outdoor Adventure Playscape starting at 8 a.m. Check the website for special summer hours or evening extended hours!
Mom Tips
- Take advantage of extended evening hours. More time to spread out your visit and less crowded!
- Budget at least 3-4 hours. Between the exhibits, outdoor play, a live science show, and a Dome film, the day fills up fast.
- Pack a change of clothes for the Adventure Playscape’s water and sand features.
- Bring a stroller or wagon if you have younger kids — the museum plus the 6.5-acre playscape adds up to a lot of ground. Plus, easier to bring along your sunscreen and swim gear.
- Check membership math before you go. A household membership runs $160/year and includes unlimited visits, plus reciprocal free or discounted admission to 350+ science museums nationwide. If you plan to visit several times or travel frequently, this might be your best deal!
