Sedgwick County Zoo

If you're looking for an activity to fully engage and enthrall, you can't get much better than a day at the zoo. Sedgwick County Zoo is no exception and is particularly well-equipped with many different animal exhibits, both large and small. No matter if it's a family or solo expedition exploring the best of what Wichita has to offer, you won't want to miss it.

Easily located directly off the major highway, Sedgwick County Zoo is competitively priced and maintains a high level of professionalism at every turn. Staff are friendly, and the park is incredibly well-maintained, with a vast array of animals and enclosures to explore and appreciate.

The zoo is well-marked out, so there's no danger of getting lost, and feeding times and special events are posted for all to see throughout the day. If there's something in particular you're eager not to miss, simply grab a zoo timetable, and you're all set!

If you're fortunate enough to visit during the winter months, you'll get to see their Wild Lights event, featuring one-of-a-kind Asian lantern sculptures throughout the zoo. Starting on Oct 11th and running until Dec 17th, you've plenty of time to check it out for yourself.

The Keeper of the Plains

You can't go to Wichita without checking out the Keeper of the Plains, and the fire ceremony held every evening (weather permitting), and take a moment to appreciate our country's history. This important cultural and historical landmark was gifted to Wichita by the renowned Comanche artist Blackbear Bosin and stands proudly at the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas rivers.

Each evening, starting at 7 p.m., the ring of fire is lit to pay homage to the natives of Wichita and represents the relationship between earth, air, fire, and water. Admission is completely free, which makes for a nice change of pace during the festive season. The fires stay lit for fifteen minutes, just enough time to soak in the atmosphere and thank yourself for taking the time to visit.

Botanica, The Wichita Gardens

The Wichita Gardens are spoken of highly, and for good reason. The range of amenities available is nothing short of spectacular and is fun for all ages. If you're planning a visit to Wichita with family, look no further than the gardens for a holiday season to remember.

With a little luck, you might visit during a light snow, in which case you'll have to pinch yourself to make sure you're not dreaming. Seeing the gardens in the snow is a real treat not afforded to many and a perfect scene to take a winter stroll through.

Boasting seventeen acres of land, the Wichita gardens sprawl over a substantial area and are well-equipped for the perfect day out. During the festive season, it's particularly fun to visit the butterfly house as the incongruity of being surrounded by butterflies in the dead of winter isn't an experience you're likely to quickly forget.

If insects aren't your thing, you can visit the Martha Parriott Terrace Garden, known for hosting events such as weddings and live music. During the holiday period, you can be sure to find a warm welcome and perhaps even some mulled wine if you're lucky! Make sure to check out the first annual Wichita tree illumination on Nov 17th, which is sure to be fun for people of all ages.

Wichita Winter Fun

Seeing the first snow of winter is a joyous moment for most people; even those of us who are inconvenienced by it can't help but feel the flutter of childlike excitement when it arrives. Some activities simply aren't the same without a few inches of snow, and we miss them all year long for the lack of it. Once there's a decent covering on the ground, there's one thing on our minds if we're at all in touch with our inner child, and that's sledding!

Wichita has a few great sledding spots to choose from, but College Hill Park and Sedgwick Park are favorites and suitable for the whole family. Once you've had your fun and it's time to get your fingers and toes warm again, a great hot cocoa is just a snowball's throw away at one of the nearby cafes. You can find Papa's General Stone and Hurts Donut nearby for all your hot cocoa, donut, and coffee needs!

Once you've got your breath back, why not take a seat and watch a winter hockey game? Wichita Thunder tickets are available for purchase online, so it couldn't be easier to pick a date to get in on the excitement.