Searching for fun things to do in Wichita to fill up your Saturday and Sunday? Well, you’ve landed on the right page! As a long-time Wichita resident, allow me to be your personal tour guide to exploring all the awesome things this underrated city has to offer over a weekend.
Day 1 for Amazing things to do in Wichita this weekend
Let’s start with the basics of fun things to do in Wichita – there are plenty of great parks and outdoor spaces that are perfect for getting some fresh air and stretching your legs. Head over to Chisholm Creek Park for a bit of everything.
Here you’ll find biking and walking trails, a large playground for the kids, botanic gardens to meander through, and a creek to gaze at while having a peaceful picnic.
While you’re taking in Mother Nature, surely you’ll work up an appetite. No foodie weekend in Wichita is complete without grabbing a bite from the legendary Lesley’s Cafe inside the Old Town Farmers Market.
At this Saturday market, you’ll discover homemade jams, fresh produce, local artists, and so much more. But take my word for it and prioritize that breakfast burrito from Lesley’s stall – you can thank me later!
Once you’re fueled up, make your way downtown to check out The Keeper of the Plains statue.
Majestically standing guard over the Arkansas River, this iconic landmark honors the Native American heritage of Kansas.
Time your visit at dusk to watch the dramatic fire display that honors this sacred tradition. Trust me, it’s quite the spectacle!
Sticking with the cultural experiences, the Mid-America All-Indian Center is your next stop. Immersing yourself in Native art, food, dance and more will give you insight into the 39 tribes calling Kansas home.
Check their event calendar as they often have classes, markets, and cultural performances happening over most weekends.
Alright, time to have some family fun! Load up the kiddos or the kid in you and spend some time at the Sedgwick County Zoo.
In addition to getting to see exotic creatures like lions, tigers, gorillas, and more up close, the zoo hosts special events like fairy tale hours, dinosaur digs, and splash park access in summer. No one will leave bored!
Got a little daredevil in your bunch? Make your way to Botanica Gardens for a ride down The Gremlin. This exciting, albeit bumpy, wooden rollercoaster winds through the gardens, allowing you to take in gorgeous flowers while catching some thrills!
If coasters aren’t your thing, Botanica also offers tram tours, beer tastings, kids activities, and more over weekends.
After working up an appetite with all that adventure, get your farm-to-table fix at Harvest Kitchen in the Douglas Design District. Using fresh ingredients sourced locally, Harvest Kitchen serves upscale comfort food paired with craft cocktails. Need I say more? Oh, and save room for their epic brunch served all day on Saturdays and Sundays!
Wrap up day one by catching a show at Crown Uptown Theatre – Kansas’ largest restaurant/theater combo venue.
Enjoy a delicious pre-fixe meal before a musical performance or concert. With A-list acts like LeAnn Rimes and Blue Oyster Cult recently making tour stops here, you never know what talent you’ll get serenaded by over dinner!
Day 2 for Fun things to do in Wichita this weekend
Rise and shine for day two for fun things to do in Wichita! Wipe the sleep from your eyes and kick things off with a morning bike ride on the 26-mile Arkansas River bike path.
Connecting downtown to the suburb of Derby, this expansive trail offers beautiful riverside views amongst the peace.
I bet that bike ride has you working up yet another appetite! No worries, you can carb load at “The Beacon” for their world-famous chicken fried steak or try their bountiful biscuits and gravy.
This homey joint uses family recipes going back generations to create that nostalgic Sunday brunch vibe – complete with bottomless mimosas if you want to make it fancy!
Waddle on over to the digestion station – aka the couch at Warren Theatre East. Here you can relax those gluttonous bellies while taking in new film releases shown on multiple screens.
Lounge seating, in-theatre dining, arcade games and more make movie-going feel lavish. And with ticket costs less than $10 matinees, Warren keeps entertainment affordable.
Alright, the last stop to cap off your Wichita weekend is none other than Chicken N Pickle. Part pickleball courts, part bar & grill, this prime social hangout spot allows you to tap into your competitive side while enjoying local brews and a mean chicken sandwich. Oversized yard games and live music on their outdoor stage ensure that the fun lasts from brunch straight into Sunday Funday evening vibes.
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