Top Rated Attractions in Wichita

This unique theater takes you back in time to an era where drive-ins ruled the country. At Starlite Drive-In, you can enjoy the latest Hollywood blockbusters from the comfort of your own car. They usually offer a good selection of kids' movies, making this a great spot for a family outing. Add some snacks and soda into the mix and you've got a great night ahead of you.

At the meeting point of the Big and Little Arkansas rivers is a weathered steel statue by American Indian sculptor, Blackbear Bosin. The Keeper of the Plains was installed in 1974 to celebrate the nation's bicentennial. Standing tall at 44 feet (13.41 meters), it is set on a huge headland and is considered a sacred site by the Native American tribes. Encircling it is a plaza with many displays, describing the lives of local American Indians who dwelt here. There are walking bridges to access the area. Fire drums on bluffs at the foot of the sculpture light almost every night, giving a dramatic effect to its surroundings.

The Sedgwick County Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the state. A major tourist attraction, this zoo is home to more than 3000 animals of about 400 different species. Along with areas to view the animals, the site includes a children's play area, boat rides, and trams. Between Penguin Cove, the Tiger Trek and the Downing Gorilla Forest, there's enough to see that you'll want to spend a whole day here.

The Allen-Lambe House was built in 1917 by the celebrated architect Frank Lloyd Wright and was one of the last Prairie style houses he designed. Originally designed for statesman Henry J. Allen and his wife, it was later sold to the Allen-Lambe House Foundation. The building is now a museum that conducts tours for visitors. Some of the best examples of the Prairie style of architecture as well as Frank Lloyd's distinct style of interior design can be seen in this house. By his own admission, it was one of the best houses he designed.

Featuring several lakes where you can fish, Sedgwick County State Park is a must-visit for fishing aficionados. Even if fishing isn't your thing, there's plenty to do for the whole family. Hike or bike along a trail, taking in the sights of wildlife. If you're into sports, head to the softball field or basketball court for a game. In the winter, the sledding hill is tons of fun!

Opened in 1987, these gardens were a collaboration between the Wichita Area Garden Council and the City of Wichita. They include an aquatic collection, a butterfly garden, a butterfly house, a greenhouse for tropical plants, a rock garden, a rose garden, a sensory garden, a Shakespearean garden, and more. They opened a children's garden in 2011 that features several themed areas for kids.