Exploration Place is Wichita’s premier science museum, offering an ever-changing lineup of exhibits that keep visitors coming back for more. This interactive museum brings hands-on learning experiences to life, making it a favorite destination for families, science lovers, and curious minds of all ages.
One of the highlights of Exploration Place is its rotating traveling exhibits, which bring exciting, world-class experiences to Wichita. This year, visitors can dive into the newest exhibit: Ice Dinosaurs
This exhibit will transform the museum into a breathtaking journey through the lost world of the Alaskan Arctic, featuring the new exhibit from October 3, 2025, to January 4, 2026.
Exploration Place Fun Fact: New this year, admission is now all-inclusive! One price covers everything: exhibits, live science shows, dome movies, and even laser shows. You can spend the whole day experiencing it all without paying extra, and that’s a deal worth checking out. Discover more about Exploration Place’s permanent exhibits & deals.
Ice Dinosaurs at Exploration Place
Exploration Place has outdone itself with a brand-new, interactive exhibit that’s perfect for Wichita families: Dinosaurs: The Lost World of the Alaskan Arctic takes visitors on an incredible journey through the seasons to explore how newly discovered Arctic dinosaurs built families, created burrows, and adapted to the extreme cold. This immersive exhibit is based on fascinating new research that’s rewriting what we thought we knew about prehistoric life.
The Lost World of the Alaskan Arctic
- Scientists have uncovered brand-new dinosaur species in Alaska, including a giant, feathered raptor with a fascinating twist — it shed and regrew its feathers throughout its life, like a prehistoric wardrobe refresh.
- Research shows that some dinosaurs weren’t just passing through — they lived year-round above the Arctic Circle, surviving brutal winters and limited sunlight.
- These non-migratory dinosaurs adapted to the extreme climate, providing new insight into how they lived and evolved.
- Evidence suggests they were warm-blooded and endothermic, capable of thriving in an environment with constant summer daylight and dark, snowy winters.
- Their resilience challenges everything we thought we knew about dinosaurs, proving they were far more adaptable than once imagined.
As a Wichita mom of two daughters, I’m always looking for ways to keep things fun and affordable. This new exhibit delivers on both. Not only is it educational, but it also comes with a price tag we can all love- It’s free with admission.
Take a Walk on the Wild Side
- Step back in time to the Late Cretaceous period in Northern Alaska and explore life in the Alaskan Arctic.
- Encounter 17 animatronic dinosaurs and more than 40 additional creatures, all representing newly discovered species that once roamed this icy landscape.
- Experience realistic, immersive environments that bring these prehistoric habitats to life.
A Piece of History
- See and touch real fossils on loan from the University of Alaska’s Museum of the North.
- View impressive skull casts and complete skeletons created by Research Casting International, one of the world’s leading museum partners.
- Be among the first in the world to see Arctic dinosaurs displayed in an exhibition setting and learn about the discoveries changing what scientists know about life in the far north.
Interactive & Immersive
- Explore how Arctic dinosaurs adapted to extreme conditions and challenged traditional ideas about dinosaur physiology and migration.
- Get hands-on with real fossils and museum-grade casts while learning the tools and techniques of paleontology.
- Have fun in interactive areas—crawl through tunnels, play games, dig for fossils, and snap photos to share your Ice Dinosaurs adventure.
- Discover the thrill of fieldwork and uncover what makes the world of paleontology so fascinating and fun.
Mark Your Calendar for These Free Events at Exploration Place
While you’re planning your visit to see Ice Dinosaures, make sure to check out these three awesome FREE events happening at Exploration Place:
- RiverFlix Outdoor Movies – Watch family-friendly films under the stars along the Arkansas River.
- Yoga on the Lawn – A relaxing, all-ages yoga class with the iconic Keeper of the Plains in the background.
- Parkrun – A free weekly timed 5K event open to walkers and runners of all ages and abilities.
These events make your visit even more special, and they’re a great way to stay active, enjoy the outdoors, and connect with the Wichita community.
With engaging exhibits, a stunning location along the Arkansas River, and plenty of activities for all ages, Exploration Place is a must-visit destination in Wichita—whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth!
Memberships Can Help You Save
If you plan to visit Exploration Place with your whole family more than once a year, becoming a member is a great way to save money. We love going regularly since the exhibits are constantly changing, and it’s become a favorite spot for my daughter. With a membership, we save hundreds of dollars each year while discovering something new.
Members receive unlimited exhibit access and exclusive benefits unavailable to the general public. Enjoy free Live Science Shows and discounts on Dome theater films, special events, camps, and more!
Pro Tip: Your membership is fully tax-deductible and comes with special perks, including early entrance and exclusive member-only events.
Dates: October 3, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Location: Exploration Place, 300 N McLean Blvd. Wichita, KS 67203
