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.

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.

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!

Learn about local plants and wildlife at the Great Plains Nature Center. Inside, exhibits like Kansas Wildlife and Prairies of the World are educational for both kids and adults. Outside, trails provide the perfect opportunity to view some of the flora and fauna you learned about inside. Remember your trip here with something from the gift shop - it offers a variety of books, toys, and other fun memorabilia.

The mission at Exploration Place is to make learning about science fun and interesting for kids and adults alike. Exhibits are creative and interactive, like the Big Mouth, where you can walk up to a huge, anatomically correct replica of the human mouth and learn about teeth, gums and good oral hygiene. There's plenty of rental space available here for meetings or a special event. Kids love birthday parties here!

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.