Fun and Learning Around Every Corner! Discover What Exploration Place Has to Offer in Wichita

Wichita Kansas | April 9, 2025

By Claudia Amaro | Planeta Venus

Exploration Place 300 N. McLean Blvd. Wichita, Kansas 67203 - Picture from the website

“There’s nothing to do in Wichita” is a phrase we often hear from young and old alike who seek the attractions of major U.S. cities. However, few of us take the time to explore what our own city has to offer.

Explore! Wichita boasts unique places, and one of them even carries the same name: Exploration Place, the science and discovery center of Sedgwick County. Established in 2000, the center was created through a collaboration between the Wichita City Council, Sedgwick County, and several private investors. The center will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2025.

Designed by architect Moshe Safdie, Exploration Place is more than just a museum; it’s a space where visitors can learn while having a unique experience. Its mission focuses on providing interactive exhibits and educational programs that highlight science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), making it an ideal place for the whole family.

Laura Roddy is the Vice President for Advancement at Exploration Place. In this picture, Roddy poses next to the newly opened Amphitheater. Picture by Claudia Amaro

Planeta Venus spoke with Laura Roddy, Vice President for Advancement, who welcomed us and showed us the latest addition to Exploration Place, the Wichita Foundation Amphitheater, which we will discuss further below.

Exhibits and Attractions

Exploration Place offers a variety of permanent and traveling exhibits. Among the permanent ones are:

• Design, Build, Fly: An interactive exhibit showcasing Wichita’s aviation history, where visitors can design and test aircraft components.

• Explore Kansas: Offers information about the geography, history, and culture of the state.

• Health Inside Out: Allows visitors to explore human anatomy and health sciences through hands-on activities.

• Kansas in Miniature: A detailed miniature representation of Kansas landmarks from the 1950s.

• Where Kids Rule: A three-story medieval castle with more than 60 STEM-based interactive exhibits.

  
  

“We currently have an exhibit called Sharks, from the Australian Museum. We’re one of the few stops in the United States to host it. We’re really excited to have it,” Roddy tells us about the traveling exhibits. This exhibit will be available until early May, after which the summer exhibit will take over. “During Memorial Day weekend, we’re launching our big summer exhibit, Barbie: You Can Be Anything, which explores professional careers for children,” Roddy continues.

For the fall, the theme Dinosaurs promises to be a hit with the younger visitors.

Behind each exhibit, there’s a dedicated team working hard to motivate both young and adult audiences to dive into the world of science. “We seek really interactive, hands-on, high-energy exhibits. And sometimes, when there’s a connection with a well-known brand, that also increases popularity,” Roddy shared.

When it comes to including the Latino community, Roddy highlights: “For several years now, one of our main annual activities related to the Latino community is Fiesta Hispana, always held on a Sunday in September. This year, we’re excited because we have a new amphitheater, and we’ll be using that space for the event.” Roddy also shared that their website is available in Spanish.

The Wichita Foundation Amphitheater

The Wichita Foundation Amphitheater, named for the investment and support it received from the foundation, is an outdoor space located beside the river. It features grass, an area for lawn chairs, and a small stage for various activities.

This summer, the RiverFlix series will offer outdoor movies every Friday, from April 18 to October 17. Movies will be shown on a giant inflatable screen, and no registration is required to attend; the event is completely free. Food trucks will be available starting at 6:00 p.m.

On Saturdays, from April to October, outdoor yoga classes will be held at 9:00 a.m. (April-May), 7:00 a.m. (June-August), and again at 9:00 a.m. (September-October). These classes are also free and don’t require registration.

Roddy commented, “People gather here every night to watch when the fire rings around the Indian statue are lit. Now we have a performance area and a perfect spot for sitting and enjoying the show. We oriented our amphitheater to face the Keeper of the Plains, but we also wanted to make sure to use it and offer programming for the community.”

A Must-See Stop in Wichita

Exploring is something that attracts both young and old. Whether people are passing through Wichita or are a local resident, Exploration Place is a must-see for the whole family. In addition to being an incredible learning center, it also serves as a venue for special events, celebrations, and educational workshops, some of which are free.

“Exploration Place gives a sense of belonging, people feel that it’s for everyone, and we want people to come and have fun without any barriers,” Roddy concluded.

Exploration Place is an essential destination for Wichita residents and visitors alike. It offers something for everyone: science, fun, and learning, all in one place.

Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Thursdays until 8 p.m.)

Location: 300 N. McLean Blvd., Wichita, Kansas 67203

Admission: Prices vary by age. Children under 2 years old enter free!

Do you have a Wichita Public Library card? If so, you can enter once for free (Visit your favorite library to get your pass). People with SNAP benefits can also enter for free by showing their card.