field trip ideas wichita ks

Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat 9am-5pm • Tue, Thu 9am-8pm  • Sundays 1pm-5pm

Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat 9am-5pm • Tue, Thu 9am-8pm

Sundays 1pm-5pm

Field Trips

Plan Your Field Trip

Field trip pricing.

*Additinal Chaperones fee is the same as per child fee.

Parking & Arrival

Stations & rotations, lunch & carousel rides optional - scheduled individually by class.

Many groups plan to eat lunch at the gardens by bringing class coolers with sack lunches or by reserving boxed lunches through the school district. If you choose to eat lunch it will be part of the station rotations. If you choose not to eat lunch you may explore the gardens on your own during the designated lunch time.

Groups will depart gardens at 1 PM from South Gate. They are also welcome to stay in the gardens after 1 PM and explore on their own.

All of our field trip programs are adaptable for a homeschool families, middle school classes and high school classes. Our field trips are correlated to Kansas Standards of Excellence according to grade level and subject area using academically based curriculum materials.

Schedule your field trip today!

See What's Blooming!

• Today's Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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• 835 E. 1st Street Wichita, Kansas 67202

Explore Wichita’s Museum of World Treasures with Your Students

Bring your students to the Museum of World Treasures in Wichita, Kansas, to unlock the stories of history, culture, and more! With self-guided and tour-guided options, we offer educational experiences tailored to your group's needs.

Request Your Field Trip Today

Self-Guided Visit

Perfect for groups of 30 students or fewer , this option allows group leaders to guide students through the museum at their own pace. Engaged adults are essential to creating a positive experience, and we ask that they supervise students respectfully to maintain a pleasant atmosphere for everyone. Scavenger hunts are provided to engage students with the exhibits.

Guided Tour and Activities

Designed for groups of 15-175 students , with one adult required for every 10 students to ensure a safe and fun visit. If you have a larger group, please contact us to discuss accommodations.

Guided activity options included with admission (subject to availability):

• Guided Tour
• Hands-on activity
• Adult-guided scavenger hunts
• Use of lunch space (as available)
• Hands-on activities are available. Some activities are free, and some are $1 per student.
• Title I discount of $4 per student is available during the school year.
• Teachers, para-educators, and bus drivers are free (any additional staff beyond a 1:1 teacher-to-student ratio will be charged for admission).
• Parents visiting during tours receive a reduced admission rate of $6 .
• Each half hour scheduled before or after museum hours is $20 for the group. (Example: Tours scheduled at 9:00am may be charged an extra $40).

Visits must be booked in advance and have a minimum of 10 paid students present to receive the $6 student discount.

Click for Information about Adult Group Tours

Helpful Links

• FAQ for Group Leaders
• Museum Manners
• Printable Bus Parking Map

Field Trip Policies

Busy season scheduling.

April and May are busy months at the museum, so to ensure every group has a great experience, morning tours during these months need to finish by 12:30 p.m. Afternoon tours will begin at 1:00 p.m.

Adult Supervision

We ask that you bring one adult for every 10 students to help create a safe and enjoyable visit for everyone. Engaged adults play a key role in guiding students and ensuring a smooth experience.

It is also expected that teachers and adults will maintain behavior management throughout the visit to ensure a respectful and pleasant environment for all guests.

Payment Details

We require full payment either before or at the time of your visit. If you'd like to prepay, we're happy to provide an advanced invoice.

Running Late?

We understand that delays happen! Please let us know if your group is running late , and we’ll do our best to adjust. However, if you’re more than 30 minutes late, we may need to reschedule or cancel the tour.

REady to Request a Field Trip?

Field Trip Request Form

We invite your group to drop the textbooks and immerse themselves in history as they journey through time. We provide extensive resources to plan your visit and guide students through an educational tour of the Museum.

7230 E 29th St. N. Wichita, KS 67226   |  316.683.2500  |  [email protected]

Field Trips

Field trips.

The visual arts play a vital role in the development and learning of children from preschool all the way through high school. Monart School of Art is committed to providing the highest quality art education for students of all ages and backgrounds.  We believe that the arts enhance children’s appreciation and understanding of the world around them. Monart School of Art uses a patented drawing method developed by art educator Mona Brookes.  The Monart Method has been used in the classroom for almost 40 years.  Because of our patented, step-by-step method, all students have a successful art experience.  Field trips to the Monart School of Art give students the ability to collaborate and think creatively to express their ideas through drawing, painting, sculpture and collage.  Field trips are great for children enrolled in Pre-K through high school.  Monart instructors are all former classroom teachers and bring a wealth of classroom management skills and creative lesson plan ideas to the workshop.  Our teachers have thousands of hours of classroom time and are very comfortable teaching any age and size of class.  We have over 5,000 lesson plans to choose from and can tailor a workshop to your group’s tastes or theme.  Past workshop themes include: Under the Sea, Jungle, Cartoons, Mascots, Mixed Media, Famous Artists, Summer Fun and Sculpture, just to name a few.   Media available: acrylic paint, crayon, watercolor, tempera cakes, colored pencil, watercolor pencil, graphite, design marker, oil and chalk pastel, collage and various air dry clays, found objects and plaster strips for sculpture.

“I have taken my 3rd grade artists to The Art Park for the last 3 years. They always have a great time and come away with new skills and confidence. I really appreciate that an art history component is added, and that the staff and I decide on the feature artist.”

-Pat Swearingen, WCS Lower School Art Teacher

“Everyone loved the class today and we are so thankful for your business!”

-Down Syndrome Society Summer Camp

“The kids really enjoyed themselves, heard one older girl say, I don’t really like legos but that was fun. Thanks!”

-Black Elementary Summer Latchkey

“The teacher’s and student’s said that they had a great time and the stations were fun. Thank you again so much for accommodating us!”

-Wichita Child Start Program

Please let us know by text the day before your scheduled field trip a firm number of participants so we can plan accordingly.

1–hour art and craft workshop: Best for pre-schoolers ages 3-5.  Groups will be divided into 15-20 children per classroom with a teacher and assistant in each room.  Each smaller group will need to have two instructors from your facility for support during the art and craft time.  Students will enjoy a group time and story that coordinates with the field trip subject theme.  After group time children will participate in multiple craft stations that coordinate with the field trip theme.  Fees for this workshop are $10 per student.  We can tailor the workshop to align with your theme of the week.  Minimum of 10 students per field trip.

1-hour art workshop:  Best for Pre-K through 5 th grade students. Students will enjoy a 45 minute long step-by-step drawing.  Instructors will go over the “rules” of drawing to create a safe, non-competitive environment where all students can feel comfortable asking for help and creating a unique piece of art.  Many times students will not have enough time to complete the coloring of the art.  If this is the case with your workshop, students will use a common media such as markers or crayon to start coloring and the drawing can then be completed at your facility. Fees for this workshop are $6 per student, which includes all supplies.  We can tailor the lesson to align with your theme of the week.  Minimum of 10 students per field trip.

1-hour Lego workshop:   Best for ages K-5 th grade.  Students will enjoy a Lego themed lesson developed by our creative teachers.  We can tailor the lesson to align with your theme for the week.  Past lessons include building animal habitats, dinosaurs, landmarks, simple machines, mazes, car racing, catapults, and history.  We use many different Lego kits including Story Starters, Build to Express, Simple Machines, Learn To Learn and Early Simple Machines. Fees for this workshop are $6 per student, which includes all supplies.

2-hour workshop:   Best for ages 6-12 th grade.   Students enjoy a full two hours of drawing, painting, sculpture or a combination or art and Lego.  Instructors will go over the “rules” of drawing to create a safe, non-competitive environment where all students can feel comfortable asking for help and creating a unique piece of art.    Students will leave with 1-2 pieces of completed artwork.  This is best for students who would like a deeper understanding of media or topics or for elementary aged students to have the art and Lego combination class.  Fees for this workshop are $8 per student, which includes all supplies.  We can tailor the the lesson to align with your theme of the week.  Minimum of 10 students per field trip.

Available Times:

School year: Early afternoons Mo.-Fri. noon-3:00, some mornings available, please email [email protected] with dates

Summer: Tues. or Wed. mornings from 10:00-noon; Thurs. noon-4:00; Friday 1:30-3:30

Let Monart School of Art come to you!   Interested in planning a program at your own facility? Great!  Monart School of Art will provide the materials, and the certified Monart instructor will come to you!  Monart School of Art has worked with many schools to offer art and Lego workshops during the school day or summer latchkey program.  This is a popular workshop if a school bus is not available.  Fees for a one-hour workshop are $6 per student and $8 per student for a two-hour workshop.  There is an additional $75 travel fee for instructor time and fuel.

Need help with fees?   In the past, Monart School of Art has been able to offer a discounted rate for workshops if the organization coming for the workshop is non-profit.  The fees can be reduced, but a gift in kind tax receipt will need to be presented for the difference.  Please check with administrators at your facility about this option before calling to schedule your workshop.

It is time to remake and reimagine the landscape surrounding Exploration Place.

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300 synchronized drones will illuminate the night sky with dazzling, music-choreographed formations, while new custom displays complement returning favorites. Decorate and launch your own floating water lantern with thousands of others, and immerse yourself in the glow of a magical candlelight concert in the new Wichita Foundation Amphitheater.

Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman need YOUR help to battle crime in the never-ending fight for truth and justice in the all-new exhibit, DC Super Heroes: Discover Your Superpowers. Save the city, vie with villains and work as a team to restore order across the DC Universe in this immersive exhibit.

Oh no! Joker has trapped some of our favorite superheroes in his secret hideout. We may need some help from the audience to free them. Tap into your inner superhero and help rescue them with the power of science!

Embark on a cosmic odyssey in celebration of Pink Floyd’s 50th anniversary of The Dark Side of the Moon album. A truly immersive and all-encompassing surround sound and visual treat that will transcend reality and take you way beyond the realms of 2D experience.

This is the only large-screen film endorsed by the band itself.

For billions of years, volcanoes have helped create the world we know. From the continents to the air we breathe and even life itself, all have their origins in fire. These processes have created extraordinary ecosystems and wildlife habitats. With over 500 active volcanoes, the Earth is bursting at the seams with these forces of mass construction. The story of volcanoes is the story of the planet’s creation, and the story of us.

The State’s Premier Science Center

Exploration Place is Kansas’ premier science center, inspiring a deeper interest in science and technology through creative and fun experiences for all.

Become a Member

Join email list, plan your upcoming visit.

Open every day and designed for visitors from young to old, Exploration Place is the perfect destination for your whole family! In addition to our many permanent exhibits, we have numerous special exhibits, Live Science Shows and shows in The Dome.

Live Science Shows

Upcoming Events

Explore educational opportunities.

Exploration Place offers in-person and virtual camps and programs to students during the summer, as well as provides library programs throughout the state. During the school year, we host field trips, offer homeschool classes, and provide activities for school family nights and classrooms.

School's-Out Edventures

Field Trips

School Family Nights

Science & Engineering Fair

Summer Camps

Science Videos

Visitor reviews.

"What a great experience for my grandkids and I. Fun, educational, hands on activities in a beautiful facility. The volunteers and staff were so pleasant informative and helpful. We will go back, many times." Lisa M.

"Great science center! Tons of hands on activities for all ages. Highly recommend!" Debbie O.

"This place is top tier. They have rotating exhibits that are updated seasonally - If you live in the area or have a similar Science museum near you a membership is worth every dollar and then some." Doc D.

"The place is so huge and full of fun. You can spend hours and still not see everything. It is so entertaining you actually get to touch and play with some many different things. They have live science shows and so much more." Courtney W.

"Had an amazing day at the Exploration Place. This to me is the perfect place to take your family for something fun and cheap that you can do. Plus kids will absolutely love it." Destiny L.

"My kids LOVE this place and honestly so do I. The exhibits are very well put together, live science shows are always amazing and they love to get kids involved. There's so much I could say about how great it is but you really should go check it out for yourself. Don't forget to check out the dome theater." Isaac A.

“This place was absolutely amazing. So much for children and adults to do and learn!” Ryan Y.

"I have been to the Exploration Place several times over the years when various family members come to visit. It NEVER disappoints! The Dome Theater is a great twist on immersive film watching and the exhibits range from Aerospace, Health Habits to Kansas geography and history. This doesn't even factor in the traveling exhibits which has covered superheroes to world record holders. This place has your kids covered for all ages and allows with a lot of interaction. Can't forget that Arkansas River view either!" Brandon W.

“We came from Manitoba, Canada. Loved it here! We brought six kids, and they all had a blast. Love how hands-on it is, and the exhibits are very well done! Would totally do this again! Thank you for an awesome time!” Mindy R.

"Wow! This place has soooo much to do. We spent several hours here and could easily have spent several more. If we lived in the area, we would definitely have a membership to this place. There are awesome science shows and videos to watch. Everything is both fun and educational. The facility is clean and organized and staff is always nearby to help out." Rebekah H.

“I have been a visitor since my son was a small boy. We had countless trips under our belt, and now he is just a semester away from his Civil Engineering degree. The only credit I deserve is instilling a desire to understand mechanisms by nurturing curiosity. Exploration Place is priceless, [expanding] the minds of our children beyond what any parent can teach or even conceive.” Randy S.

Get Tickets or Purchase a Membership

Whether you plan to visit Exploration Place just once or multiple times, we have ticket and membership options to meet your needs!

General Field Trips

Field trips are available for grades K-12. Field trip classes are 1 hour in length.

• School Organization *
• Grade Level
• Number of Students
• Title of Program
• Proposed Date MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Alternate Proposed Date MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Proposed Time : Hours Minutes AM PM AM/PM
• Live Stream
• Pre-Recorded

Program Details

Program Category Program | Visual / Design Arts

Appropriate for ages: Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12

334 N. Mead

Wichita KS 67202

Phone: (316) 462-2787

Website: http://wichitaarts.com/cityarts/

Reservations: (316) 350-3324

Hours: Mondays-Thursdays, 10 am-9 pm; Fridays, 10 am-5 pm; Saturdays, 10 am-4 pm

Arts Partners | 903 S Edgemoor, Suite 907 Wichita, KS 67218

Site by  RSM Marketing.

Step Up Your Field Trip or Lock-In

Field Trip School Flights

Bring your class or educational group and enjoy our health and wellness programs. We have classroom space available to bring your teaching to a fun and exciting environment or just turn your students loose and utilize all of our amenities. We can tailor our program offerings to fit your educational, health, and wellness needs.

Staying for lunch? We can provide healthy, nutritious options for your students ! Our box lunches include sandwiches, fruit, carrots, or chips.

Overnight Lock-In

Enjoy the park all night long in a controlled and safe environment. Who wouldn’t want to have the entire facility to themselves?

Chaperones are required and provided by your group (1 for every 10 participants.) Flight Crew Members will also be present to provide supervision. Lock-Down will begin one hour after check-in is complete and guests will not be allowed to leave the facility and return.

Outside food and drink is not permitted inside the facility other than cake, cookies, or cupcakes. Our Event Coordinator will work with your group on concessions or approved catering possibilities for your specific event.

Aviate Only: $2,500 per 3hrs Entire Facility: $3,500 per 3hrs

Monday – Thursday: 10:00pm – 6:30am Friday – Sunday: 12:00am – 6:00am

Add-Ons: Pizza: $15, Gatorade Cooler: $20, Water Cooler: $10, Jump Socks: $3

Must book in advance and pay as a group. All jumpers must have socks and a $500 deposit is required. Tax exempt status must be presented prior to payment.

Looking for a Unique After-Prom Idea?

Book your after prom or graduation lock-in for a fun, safe celebration everyone will enjoy! Remember, reserve your date early as the end of school season fills up quickly!

Why Our Visitors Love the Sports Forum

“We had our Christmas get together here for our youth group. The employees were very helpful in getting us checked in and giving us an awesome rate. The kids had a great time! We will definitely come back.” Nadia B.

Questions About Your Event?

Contact us at 316.201.1414 or [email protected] to set-up your field trip, lock-in, or other large group activity!

Kansas Field Trips

Below are destinations across Kansas you can visit to learn more about different industries and explore possible careers. As always, we recommend looking up the destination’s website before your visit to learn about what you’re going to experience.

Conversation Sparks: 

Brainstorm questions to ask while you are there to get more out of the experience. After your visit, encourage your kids to process what they learned using questions to get them thinking more deeply, such as:

• What surprised you the most about what you learned today?
• What jobs did you see working there?
• What jobs did you learn about?
• What jobs helped to create this place?
• What did this experience remind you about that you’d learned about before?
• What would you like to learn next about this field?
• Do you think you might like to work someday in this industry?

If you live in a different state, we’re sure there are similar places to visit and learn about careers near you!

Aviation & Transportation

Atchison Rail Museum  (Atchison)

The Kansas Cosmosphere (Hutchinson)

Kansas Aviation Museum (Wichita)

Kansas City Auto Museum (Olathe)

Kansas Motorcycle Museum (Marquette)

Midwest Dream Car Collection (Manhattan)

St. Francis Motorcycle Museum (St. Francis)

The Combat Air Museum (Topeka)

The Mid-American Air Museum (Liberal)

The Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum (Atchison)

TWA Museum (Kansas City, Missouri)

The Airline History Museum (Kansas City, Missouri)

Agriculture & Animal Health

National Agriculture Center and Hall of Fame (Bonner Springs)

Flint Hills Discovery Center (Manhattan)

Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead (Overland Park)

Plumlee Buffalo Ranch (near Alma)

Zoos — such as Rolling Hills Zoo (near Salina), Topeka Zoo , Sunset Zoo (Manhattan), Lee Richardson Zoo (Garden City), Kansas City Zoo (Kansas City, Missouri), Kansas State University Insect Zoo (Manhattan), Sedgwick County Zoo (Wichita)

Visit other agritourism sites

Culinary & Food Service (Ask about arranging tours!)

Chip’s Chocolate Factory (Kansas City, Missouri)

Grandma Hoerner’s Foods (near Alma)

The Pizza Hut Museum (Wichita)

General STEAM-Based Destinations (organized alphabetically by location)

Art and History Museums  — look for museums in your area, but don’t miss the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Childhood Home (Abilene), Nelson Atkins Museum of Art (Kansas City, Missouri), or the Kansas Museum of History (Topeka)

National Weather Service Office (Contact offices in Topeka , Wichita , Dodge City or Goodland to find out about tours)

Museum of Independent Telephony (Abilene)

Tallgrass Prairie Preserve (near Cottonwood Falls)

Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame (Dodge City)

Johnston Geology Museum (Emporia)

Peterson Planetarium (Emporia)

True Crime Exhibit (Garden City)

Cheyenne Bottoms (Great Bend)

Barton County CC Planetarium (Great Bend)

Heart of America Science Resource Center  (Haviland)

Sternberg Museum of Natural History (Hays)

Strataca: Kansas Underground Salt Museum (Hutchinson)

Science and Technology Center (Independence) 

SEA LIFE Kansas City (Kansas City, Missouri)

Hallmark’s Kaleidoscope (Kansas City, Missouri)

Legoland Discovery Center (Kansas City, Missouri)

The Money Museum (Kansas City, Missouri)

Science City at Union Station (Kansas City, Missouri)

KU Natural History Museum (Lawrence)

Powell Astronomical Observatory (Louisburg) 

Crispin's Drug Store Museum (Lincoln)

Konza Prairie Biological Station (near Manhattan)

Milford Nature Center and Fish Hatchery (Milford)

Rock City (Minneapolis)

Little Jerusalem Badlands (near Oakley)

Curious Minds Discovery Zone (Parsons)

Kelce Planetarium (Pittsburg) 

Lakewood Discovery Center (Salina)

Art Lab at Washburn University  (Topeka)

Kansas Children’s Discovery Center (Topeka)

Exploration Place (Wichita)

Lake Afton Public Observatory (Wichita)

Kansas Firefighters Museum (Wichita)

Public Works & Utilities WATER Center (Wichita)

Splash! Aqua Park (Wichita)

Got a Suggestion?

Know a destination we missed that can teach kids about possible careers? Email us with suggestions we can add at  [email protected] .

Other Activities:

Dramatic Play and Roleplaying STEAM-based Activities Career Activities in Your Community

• FIELD TRIPS IN KANSAS CITY

Please note these are suggestions only and are not necessarily endorsed by the MPE Board of Directors. Information about times, availability and costs are subject to change. Please contact the facility before visiting to ascertain current information.

Thanks to Alyse Smith for compiling these field trip opportunities.

Note: Retired homeschool mom and MPE member Traci Matt has written a Kindle eBook all about field trips, which we highly recommend: http://ow.ly/Kg9ga See her list of favorite field trip destinations as well!

• Agriculture Hall of Fame – Offers several different programs, including field trips, for groups.
• Arts Education at JCCC – Offers school shows, master classes, camps, workshops, lecture/demonstrations, teacher workshops.
• Bump City – Gage Center – A giant indoor playland. Activities for ages three and over include: in-ground trampolines rope swings inflatables slam dunk basketball Monster Mountain indoor climbing wall foam pit and more. All groups must have a release waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian to participate.
• Burr Oak Woods Nature Center (Blue Springs, MO) – From its website: “Burr Oak Woods was purchased in 1977 and the Nature Center was built in 1982, the first nature center in the State of Missouri. … Natural features on the area include steep forested hillsides along Burr Oak Creek (the namesake of the property), large limestone boulders and outcrops, restored prairies and woodlands, and a trail complex that will guide visitors through many of the listed features.”
• Carolyn’s Country Cousins (Liberty, MO) – Homeschool Pumpkin Patch Tours and Special Needs Tours in September and October. In the Fall: Carolyn’s Country Cousins is open September to October from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• City of Fountains Foundation – Kansas City is known as the “City of Fountains,” since it boasts more fountains than any city except Rome. Self-guided tour of the beautiful fountains either by foot or by car.
• The City Market/ Arabia Steamboat Museum – The City Market, nestled in a redeveloped historic district. The outdoor farmer’s market is where you will find just about everything under the sun-from fresh produce, garden plants, herbs and flowers to toys and gifts. Don’t miss the other treasures found here, including shops, restaurants, galleries and the Arabia Steamboat Museum. While the market is open seven days a week, Saturdays are particularly lively, as farmers from across the Midwest offer their produce and products for sale.
• Clark’s Point – Overlook the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers at Clark’s Point and take in the awesome view of both Kansas Cities. A marker commemorates the occasion of Lewis and Clark’s camping there in 1806. Address: Downtown, 8th & Jefferson, Kansas City, MO.
• Dole Institute of Politics – The Dole Institute of Politics is a balanced and bipartisan facility. Our mission is to encourage political and civic involvement, especially among young people; to encourage civil discussion on important issues; to emphasize that politics is an honorable profession; and to provide opportunities for all to interact with political leaders, practitioners, and writers. The Robert J. Dole Archive and Special Collections is home to one of the nation’s most significant collections of a nonpresidential politician, and is relevant to governmental, political, domestic, and world affairs of the latter 20th century. It contains a wealth of primary source materials including papers, photographs, and objects.
• Emerald City Gym – Are you looking for a fun, safe place to take your group? If you don’t want your kids swinging from your ceiling, bring them to Emerald City! Emerald City offers private events for groups of all sizes. Our 24,000 sq ft gym includes in-ground trampolines, slides, tunnels, rope swings, our HUGE foam pit, a maze, zip-line, mini rock wall, slam-dunk basketball, and more!
• Ernie Miller Nature Center – Ernie Miller Park has three miles of trails for you to hike and explore. The Nature Center is open daily with educational exhibits that include live animals, native to Kansas, for you to see. We host field trips for homeschool families throughout the year. You may also schedule a program on your own year round.
• Federal Reserve Bank Visitors Center – The Money Museum – At the Money Museum, walk-in guests, students, and scheduled groups can learn more about the economy and the Fed through interactive exhibits that explore banking, payments, and how monetary policy decisions impact a family’s bottom line. In addition, all visitors can view inside the cash vault operations. Admission and parking are free, and all ages are welcome. Every guest leaves with a free bag of shredded currency.
• Truman Courthouse in Jackson County, Missouri – Visitors to Independence should stop by the 1827 Log Courthouse. This was the first courthouse in Jackson County, Missouri and in the 1930s, then-Judge Harry S. Truman held court there while the main courthouse was being renovated.
• Frontier Army Museum – A museum of one of the finest exhibits of 19th century horse-drawn vehicles is the Frontier Army Museum. Various displays portray more than a century of the history of the Army in the West.
• Grinter House – Enjoy the Grinter House, an 1857 two-story southern colonial home, which was the site of the first civilian post office in the Kansas Territory.
• The Hallmark Visitors Center – The Hallmark Visitors Center presents a lively overview of the world’s largest greeting card company. This 10,500-square-foot center walks you through 12 exhibits covering the 85-year history of Hallmark Cards, Inc. and the processes used in greeting card production.
• Harry S. Truman Farm Home – The 33rd President was born to a farm family in nearby Grandview, Missouri. The Harry S. Truman Farm Home is where Truman spent part of his childhood and returned to as a young man. Operated by the National Park Service.
• Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum – The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum was established to preserve the papers, books, and other historical materials relating to former President Harry S. Truman and to make them available to the people in a place suitable for exhibit and research. Consistently ranked among the top tourism destinations in the Kansas City region, no visit to America’s heartland is complete without a trip to the Harry S. Truman Library & Museum.
• The 1855 Harris Kearney House Museum – “We offer tours of the Historic 1855 Mansion that played a role in the development of Westport, MO and the Westward Expansion.  We also offer workshops such as beginning knitting, continuous strand weaving, genealogy, Tea & Etiquette, and Victorian Christmas Decorations, as well as special events including a speakers series, our Ice Cream Social and the Westport Lost Arts Fair.  A Westward Expansion classroom/field trip experience is a favorite of students!  Visit our website or give us a call for more information.”
• Johnson County Museum – Admission to the Johnson County Museum allows entry to all three museum galleries: the signature exhibition “Becoming Johnson County” including the 1950s All-Electric House, the children’s exhibit Kidscape and the changing exhibition gallery. Also, check out the Lanesfield Historic Site in Edgerton, Kansas.
• Kaleidoscope – Kaleidoscope, a free, hands-on art experience for elementary age children, has been offered for years by Hallmark Cards, Inc. During a 55-minute session, children journey through the “Imagination Machine” to a whimsical world where they can explore under the sea, outer space, a country cottage and a big city.
• Kansas City’s City Hall – Kansas City’s art deco-styled City Hall, completed in 1937, has a breathtaking view of the city from its 30th floor.
• KCCG’s Beanstalk Children’s Garden – A unique and fun field trip destination for children of all ages, the Beanstalk Children’s Garden offers children and adults the opportunity to learn about nutrition, plant science, food production and more. As part of the learning process, visitors are encouraged to use their senses to see, touch, smell, and taste growing plants. During tours, children are given vegetables and fruits fresh from the garden for tasting.
• K.C. Pumpkin Patch (fall) – K.C. Pumpkin Patch is Kansas City’s premier all-inclusive, educational pumpkin patch. Come and see the lifecycle of the pumpkin from seed to fruit. It’ll grow before your eyes! Check out our honey bees and see why we need them at the pumpkin patch. If you are real adventurous, tryout your milking skills! Other farm highlights include: Old barnyard petting zoo, John Deere tricycle track, Spook-tacular haunted barn, Zip lines, Mine Shaft Hill Slide, scarecrow maze, Pumpkin Express train, Tractor Drawn Hayrides, Live entertainment and FREE campfire on weekends. MUCH, MUCH More!
• Kansas City Zoo – Come to the Kansas City Zoo for affordable, family fun!
• Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art – The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art and Design is located next to the Kansas City Art Institute, one of the Midwest’s premiere art schools. The Kemper offers changing exhibits throughout the year in addition to permanent displays such as the Dale Chihuhly chandelier crafted at the Waterford Crystal Company.
• Lanesfield School Historic Site – Visit the Lanesfield School Historic Site, a tribute to rural schooling. It consists of a restored one-room schoolhouse, outbuildings, and a visitor’s center featuring an exhibit on Kansas’ one-room schools called Just Plain Simple: The One-Room School in Kansas. The school is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Legler Barn – The Legler Barn is a historic stone barn built on the Santa Fe Trail in the 1880s. It now houses a pioneer museum, trunk shows, living history and more.
• Linda Hall Library – The largest privately funded library of science, engineering and technology in the United States is in Kansas City.
• Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm Historic Site – Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm Historic Site offers students an opportunity to discover history where it happened. Hands-on activities with our animals, wagons, and stagecoach make visiting Mahaffie fun for children and a valuable tool for educators! Mahaffie also offers daily 1860s living history activities depending on the time of year; weekends in April, May, September and October, and Wednesdays- Sundays Memorial Day through Labor Day. Living history activities include stagecoach rides (weather permitting), visiting the historic Mahaffie farmhouse, our new interpretive livestock barn, blacksmith demonstrations, and cooking demonstrations in the farmhouse kitchen. Mahaffie also hosts two homeschool days: Spring Homeschool Day, and Fall Homeschool Day.
• Moon Marble – “We have made wooden toys and game boards for many years, but always had difficulty finding varieties of marbles for our product.  We wanted marbles that we had as children like Bumble-Bees, Cub Scouts, Puries, and so on.  In 1997 this “need” led us to the opening of the Moon Marble Company store.  The store is located near the intersection of K-32 & Hwy 7 in Bonner Springs, KS.  We stock machine made marbles in a multitude of colors  and designs in sizes from pee-wees to 50mm.  In addition, we carry traditional toys & games as well as gift items for all ages.”
• Museum at Prairiefire – “The Museum at Prairiefire is committed to innovative learning in science, the arts and natural history. Through a founding collaboration with the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, as well as with other cultural and educational institutions in the nation, the Museum at Prairiefire is a place that provides ACCESS FOR ALL to understand and celebrate natural history, the arts and science in our region and around the world. The Museum engages visitors and students of all ages with world-class exhibitions, important programming, and significant educational and STEAM opportunities.”
• Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art – The Museum is one of the nation’s top general art museums, featuring art from a variety of periods and cultures and offering a number of special exhibitions and programs. Located on the grounds is the Kansas City Sculpture Park, featuring 13-larger-than-Iife works by Henry Moore.
• Potter’s Haven Art Studio – “Choose a ceramic item from our large selection of bisque. Then, once you have decorated it with glaze we will fire it in our kiln to create that one of a kind piece of art for you. For younger artists we have many smaller items that can be painted with acrylic paint and taken home the same day. We also have an party room available for larger groups to come and enjoy time together. Let us help you celebrate your birthday, baby or wedding shower, or do some team building. A great way to create some unique and special gifts. We also have activities available for Scout Troops, non-profits, and daycares/schools.   If you are interested in learning more about pottery we also provide clay building classes.”
• Powell Gardens – “A trip to Powell Gardens, Kansas City’s Botanical Garden, is the cure for “Nature Deficit Disorder”. Whether visiting on your own or partaking in one of our guided experiences designed for youth, Powell Gardens will inspire while delighting all of your senses. With four major-themed gardens including the 12-acre edible landscape the Heartland Harvest Garden, an indoor conservatory and our new youth garden Fun Foods Farm, there is something for everyone.”
• Santa Fe, California and Oregon Trails – Best known as the hometown of Harry Truman and named the “Queen City of the Trails,” Independence, Missouri was the starting point for the Santa Fe, California and Oregon Trails. Over 80 shops, stores and restaurants line historic Independence Square. Information about the area can be found at the Independence Tourist Information Center located at Main and Truman Roads.
• Shawnee Indian Mission State Historic Site – The Shawnee Mission, like many other missions, was established as a manual training school attended by boys and girls from Shawnee, Delaware, and other Indian nations from 1839 to 1862. Reverend Thomas Johnson established the Mission which also served as an early territorial capitol, supply point on the Santa Fe and Oregon Trails, and a camp for Union soldiers during the Civil War.
• Shawnee Town 1929 – A museum and division of the City of Shawnee’s Parks and Recreation Department. The museum will help visitors experience a typical day in and around the 1920s farm community of Shawnee, Kansas, through collections, programs, events and exhibits.
• The 1950s All-Electric House – Whether you’re a child of the 50s or just curious about lifestyles back then, The 1950s All-Electric House at the Johnson County Museum of History offers an eye-opening look at the technology of the times. Futuristic features include: hidden televisions, electric curtain openers, trendy appliances and “moonglow” lighting. The house has been meticulously restored to its original appearance as a show home for Kansas City Power and Light. Step inside this “house of the future” and it’s suddenly 1954 all over again!
• Union Station /Science City – Visitors to the restored Union Station, the nation’s second largest rail station, will discover a world of history and excitement. The 380,000 square foot station features free three-hour parking and a and Hall complete with 90-plus foot tall ceilings and two 3,000 pound chandeliers. In its heyday, the daily train traffic peaked at 217 and all of the soldiers who fought in World War II traveled through the station.

Field Trips Outside Kansas City

• Field Trips to a U-Pick Orchard in Overbrook, KS (thanks to Teresa Scheuerman)
• Kansas Aviation Museum (Wichita, KS)
• Kansas Cosmosphere (Hutchinson, KS)
• Kansas Learning Center for Health (Halstead, KS) – Health Education programs for all ages of students, preschool to high school, as well as family day events.
• The Exploration Place (Wichita, KS)
• World War II Field Trip Guide – A guide to 450 sites in all 50 states where homeschooling families can learn about World War II. This free illustrated guide helps families find WWII museums, planes, tanks, ships, submarines, POW camps, and more.

How To Plan Field Trips

In a  recent “Homeschool Hints” podcast episode , Annette Vaughn, shared her best strategies to plan field trips, including cost-cutting strategies, research, and catering to different ages and grades. She organizes regular outings for a group of 20+ families in the Kansas City area!

Interested in more homeschooling information? Sign up for text alerts!

Updated 3/15/23

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » Kansas (KS) » 15 Best Day Trips from Wichita KS

15 Best Day Trips from Wichita KS

Wichita is the largest city in the state of Kansas and sits at the junction of the area’s Little and Big Arkansas Rivers. Wichita’s history dates back to the mid-19th century. This city has an impressive blend of history and nature and caters to those who are on the hunt for an authentic cultural experience.

There are numerous unique landmarks, national parks, and contemporary museums in Wichita. With so many attractions within this vibrant city, many tourists miss out on what’s going on outside of Wichita. Getting out of the city for a day trip is not that hard; if you enjoy hitting the road with some great company and good music, then this one is for you.

Here is our list of 15 best day trips that are within a tank of gas from Wichita:

1. Haysville

Haysville is a suburb of Wichita which is usually referred to as the Peach Capital of Kansas. Its historic district has quite the story to tell. Back in 1876, the first school was built in Haysville; in 1919, the Haysville State Bank was built. However, in May 1999, a tornado hit Haysville and damaged the structures in the area. The only thing that remained standing on the eastern side is the bank’s vault.

Here, you will find the “Rock Island” – a railroad that goes from Herington through Haysville and merges with the Union Pacific Railroad, Oklahoma-Kansa-Texas Railroad, and the Missouri Pacific Railroad.

2. Junction City

This city got its name from its strategic position at the confluence of the Republican and the Smoky Hill rivers. Junction City is surrounded by history, adventure, and has a bright future.

Junction City is an ethically-diversified community with friendly residents and offers plenty of rural and small-town pleasures. Generally, the town’s atmosphere is inviting, making it an ideal destination for a day trip from Wichita.

Originally named Junction City, it was later known as Millard City – from 3rd October 1855 – and later renamed Humboldt in 1857. A year later, the local farmers renamed it to Junction City and the city was fully incorporated in 1859.

On your day trip, drop by the Heritage Park to explore the Vietnam Memorial, the Civil War Arch, and the Law Enforcement Memorial.

3. Mushroom Rock State Park

This small state park is located in the Smoky Hills region and characterized by captivating rock formations that are known as ‘hoodoos.’

The rock formations resemble mushrooms; they came about as a result of uneven weathering and erosion. During the process, the hard mass that forms the capstone resisted the weathering, while the underlying soft rocks were eroded. Mushroom Rock State Park has been labeled one of the “Eight Wonders of Kansas.”

Native Americans not only used the rocks as landmarks but also as meeting places. This is evidenced by the graffiti on some of the rocks that date several generations back.

The five-acre park is managed by Kanopolis State Park and is the smallest park in Kansas.

4. Independence

This city is located in Montgomery County, Southeastern Kansas, and was named in commemoration of the Declaration of Independence. It’s located along the Verdigris River and covers an area of 20.07 square kilometers.

Independence is a delightful small downtown that has a rustic, rural charm. The town has a humid subtropical climate that is characterized by hot summers and chilly winters.

Before September 1869, Independence belonged to the Osage Indians and was originally named Cofax.

5. Cedar Point Mill

Drinkwater & Schriver Mill in Cedar Point stands by a stone dam in the Cottonwood River. The mill is a former sawmill and has been a landmark since 1857. The mill’s primary function was sawing lumber. Unfortunately, the wooden mill was washed away in a flood in 1871. A new mill was constructed that same year from hand-cut native limestone.

Today, both the river and mill are reminders of pioneer America. The mill is located in Cedar Point, a scenic city that covers a total area of 0.21 kilometers squared.

The mill is under the management of a Kansas non-profit corporation that is renovating it with the aim of maintaining it and saving it as a historical site to attract more visitors in the future.

6. Winfield

This city is situated along the Walnut River in Cowley County in South Central Kansas. Winfield is the most populous city in the county.

Winfield was founded in 1870. The city got its name from a reverend who promised to build a town church in exchange for the town’s naming rights. Winfield was incorporated as a city in 1873.

The Winfield area is well known for the manufacture of aircraft and aircraft parts. The city is home to the Southwest College and also renown for hosting the Walnut Valley Festival and the Winfield Country Roundup.

Emporia is 140 kilometers away from Wichita. It sits in the Flint Hills region of Lyon County, Kansas. The city was founded in 1857 and is located between Wichita and Topeka. In 1869, the first railroad was extended to Emporia.

This college town is home to the Flint Hills Technical College and the Emporia State University.

Emporia is a great place to go for a day trip from Wichita, thanks to numerous structures listed under the National Register of Historic Places. They include the Old Emporia Public Library, the Granada Theatre, the Finney House, the Mason House, and the Kress Building.

8. Monument Rocks National Natural Landmark

The Monument Rocks are also referred to as the Chalk Pyramids; they’re among the Eight Wonders of Kansas. They go up to a height of 21 meters and were among the first landmarks in the state to be designated as a natural landmark.

The rock formations are estimated to have been created more than 80 million years ago and include formations such as arches and buttes.

Monument Rocks National Natural Landmark lies on a private piece of land but the landowner is amenable to visitors – no special permission is required.

In one of the monuments, there is a huge gap – often referred to as the “keyhole” – which offers a perfect window to see the sun as it sets. Nearby, there is the Keystone Gallery, home to fossils, art, and other souvenirs that are for sale.

In addition to the area’s geology, Monument Rocks has cavities that offer a habitat for wildlife such as pigeons and falcons.

This city is located in Sedgwick County. Derby is the largest suburb of Wichita and was originally known as El Paso from 1903. The city name was officially changed to Derby in 1956.

Some highlights of a day trip to Derby are the Rock River Rapids and the Derby Historical Museum.

In the 1920’s, when the aviation industry started flourishing, an Air Force Base was established between Wichita and Derby. This was in order to meet the rising demand for more airplanes to be used in the Cold War. Most of the workers set up their homes in this town that remained largely rural until after WWII.

10. Andover

Andover was established in 1877. When Kansas was mapped, this territory was initially referred to as Minneha. This city was later renamed as Cloud City after Mr. Cloud, a railroad engineer.

On 7th June 1880, the town’s name was changed to Andover after the engineer had a misunderstanding with the area residents. They named the city after Andover, Massachusetts.

Andover is located in Butler County. The city has two parks – the Andover Park and the Andover Central Park – that you ought to explore on your day trip from Wichita.

11. El Dorado

The city of El Dorado is located along the Walnut River in Butler County, southern-central Kansas. The city’s name means “the golden one” in Spanish. The Spanish Empire used “El Hombre Dorado” to describe a mythical chief who covered himself with gold dust and then submerged himself in the Guatavita Lake, as part of an initiation rite.

El Dorado is headquarters of the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission and is well known as being in the center of Southern Arkansas’ oil boom in the 1920’s. For this reason, it got the nickname “Arkansas Original Boomtown.”

12. Hutchinson

This city is located on the Arkansas River and is the largest in Reno County. The locals refer to it as Hutch. Since 1887, Hutchinson has been home to salt mines – it is for this reason that the city got its “Salt City” nickname.

The city of Hutchinson was founded in 1871 and is located 63 kilometers to the northwest of Wichita. The city’s nickname is “Temperance City” – that came about after the prohibition of alcohol in August 1872 by Clinton Hutchinson, the founder.

13. Arkansas City

This city is located at the point where Arkansas and Walnut Rivers meet. For the sake of brevity, the residents usually refer to the city as Ark City. This is for the purpose of minimizing confusion with the nearby state of Arkansas. These two names have, over the years, caused much confusion among the locals.

Arkansas City was established in the late 1860’s; the territory was initially referred to as “Nichonka” which means “place between the waters.”

Arkansas City is now home to the Arkansas River Path, which is a scenic walkway that allows you to see downtown Wichita as you take a stroll along the 3.6-mile path.

This city is located in Harvey County, 40 kilometers north of Wichita.

A highlight of the day trip to Newton City is the Kauffman Museum. This historical museum is dedicated to preserving information about the Mennonite settlement on the North American plains.

The museum is home to regional flora and fauna and a large collection of local historical artifacts. On the property, you will also find a restored farmhouse, a windmill, and a barn.

This city is located in Saline County, Kansas. Salina city is located in one of the largest wheat-producing areas in the world. The city is home to multiple colleges and remains a regional trade center for north-central Kansas.

Salina was founded in 1858 by the residents – led by lawyer and journalist, William Phillips – and became incorporated as a city in 1870. The town’s rapid growth can be attributed to the arrival of the Kansas Pacific Railway in 1867.

15 Best Day Trips from Wichita KS:

• Junction City
• Mushroom Rock State Park
• Independence
• Cedar Point Mill
• Monument Rocks National Natural Landmark
• Arkansas City

This Kansas Nature Sanctuary Makes For The Perfect Family Day Trip

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As one of the largest cities in the Sunflower State (and a major metropolitan area of the Midwest), it's understandable that you'd think there isn't too much nature to be found in Wichita, KS. Sure, it's a great city and totally worth a visit, but it's easy to think of it as deserving of attention thanks to its wonderful museums, delicious restaurants, and fun attractions. However, it's actually home to one of the best nature centers in Kansas ! The Great Plains Nature Center is a free, indoor-outdoor facility that strives to educate the public on all the ins and outs of Kansas nature. It's home to miles of trails, a few cool critters, and often hosts educational programming that's perfect for the entire family. Check it out:

The Great Plains Nature Center borders Chisholm Creek Park, and both the nature center and park are free to enter.

The park is open all year, and it's a fascinating place to head out for a stroll and see the seasons change!

The buildings here are home to more than 3,500 square feet of exhibits with detailed information about the critters that live in Kansas and the wide variety of ecosystems we have here.

There's also a rotating cast of live native animals that are on display so you can get up close and personal with some of Kansas's most adorable species.

The outdoor area is just as enticing. There are several miles of trails around the nature center, with paved areas...

...amazing pond views...

...and even a few boardwalks!

This is such a beautiful nature center that's the perfect place to temporarily escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

For more information about this nature center in Wichita, KS, check out the Great Plains Nature Center website or Great Plains Nature Center Facebook page. You can learn more about the park's hiking opportunities from our friends at AllTrails .

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This Kansas Park’s Splash Pad And Brand New Playground Make It Perfect For Summer

Summer in Kansas is a perfect time to get out and explore. The little ones are out of school, the weather is warm, and sure, it's hot, but we're used to it, and there's so much to do! If you're on the hunt for a great family attraction in Augusta, KS, it doesn't get much better than a visit to Robert Shryock Park. This place feels specially designed for young kids and has everything you need for a great afternoon. The city is fairly small, with around 10,000 people, but has enough attractions that you won't be bored during a day trip, and this is one of the best municipal parks in Kansas. Check it out:

Robert Shryock Park offers up beautiful lake views, and adults will enjoy the easy trail around the lake.

The park's Castle Park Playground opened up in June 2024 and is a big hit with the little ones.

The castle-themed playground sparks the imagination and has plenty of areas to play, including a mini rock-climbing wall swings, and slides.

The park's fences allow peace of mind that your kids won't wander off, and there's even a separate area for younger kids to play.

Another area that's a big hit with the kiddos is the splash pad.

The splash pad is ope seasonally during the summer months and is a great way to cool off after all that exploring!

This is such a fun little municipal park in Augusta, KS that has something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

Have you ever visited Augusta? It's a great town with a lot to explore!

For more information about this great park in Augusta, KS, check out the Augusta, KS Parks and Recreation Department website.

Need the perfect place to stay in Augusta, KS? This Augusta Bungalow Vrbo is centrally located and can sleep up to eight guests.

With A Zoo And Picnic Area, This Family-Friendly Park In Kansas Is The Best Summer Day Trip

Looking for the perfect place to take the kids during the summer months can be a struggle. Do you head to one of the many epic water parks in Kansas ? What about our phenomenal state parks, or one of our lakes? There's so much to do that it's almost overwhelming. The spot we're featuring today is yet another summer park in Kansas that belongs on your family's bucket list: Soden's Grove in Emporia, KS. This park has so much to enjoy for kids and adults alike, with a zoo, fun climbable train, beautiful gardens, and shaded picnic areas. We can't think of a better time to head out than summer. Check it out:

Soden's Grove Park encompasses 30 acres right on the bank of the Cottonwood River. The park was named for William T. Soden, an area businessman who owned a mill and furniture factory in Emporia.

This is a beautiful park, especially in the summer months. There's so much greenery, and enough trees that it is plenty shaded.

You'll find a lot to enjoy here. In addition to walking areas and shaded picnic shelters, the park has a baseball diamond.

This is one of the best free zoos in Kansas, and you'll find an array of wildlife species here.

From peacocks to endangered ring-tailed lemurs, you'll find plenty of critters here.

This is one of the smallest AZA-accredited zoos in the country.

The zoo is home to a small train that you might see choo-chooing about on summer evenings.

Between the zoo and the park, this is such a wonderful spot for a summer family day trip in Kansas!

For more information about this wonderful park in Emporia, KS, check out the Emporia, KS website.

Summertime is a great season to be outdoors, but remember that the sun's rays can be harmful! Make sure to always apply a high-quality sunscreen before spending time outside.

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