Exploration Place is bringing a brand-new Christmas experience to Wichita! Passport to Santa takes families on a North Pole adventure filled with holiday activities, interactive games, science experiments, Christmas lights, and a special visit with Santa.
The event runs on select evenings from November 12 through December 23, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. And here’s a great deal: Exploration Place members save 50% on tickets!
I love the idea of having so many Christmas activities in one place, especially when you can let the kids explore at their own pace.
Passport to Santa: 12 Holiday Activity Stations and a Visit with Santa
When you arrive, you’ll receive a holiday passport to guide your adventure. Families can visit 12 festive activity stations, collect stamps, and make their way through the North Pole experience.
Here are some of the highlights:
- Sock Skating: Slip on your socks and glide around an indoor skating rink. No ice skates needed!
- Igloo Building: Kids can stack giant foam ice blocks to build their own Arctic hideaway.
- Arctic Arcade: Launch foam snowballs at advancing snowmen in an interactive holiday game.
- Holiday Laser Shows: Head inside the Dome for a 15-minute Christmas laser show synchronized to holiday music.
- Falling Snow: Experience a little winter magic as snow falls in the outdoor Adventure Playscape.
- Light Up the Night: Explore the glowing light bridge and colorful holiday projections in the Adventure Playscape.
- Northern Light Path: Follow colorful, illuminated stepping stones through the Sensory Garden.
- Aurora Beams: Dance and play among shimmering laser lights inspired by the Northern Lights.
- Caroling Karaoke: Sing your favorite Christmas songs.
- Blizzard Breath: Discover the science behind Dragon’s Breath while creating clouds of icy vapor.
And, of course, there’s the most important stop of all!
Meet Santa at Exploration Place Without Missing the Holiday Fun
One of my favorite things about this event is how they’ve organized the Santa visits.
When you arrive, your family receives a designated time to meet Santa. Instead of spending your evening waiting in line, you can explore the holiday activities until it’s your turn.
Kids can share their Christmas wish lists, take photos with Santa, and receive a special little gift to bring home.
It’s a fun way to enjoy a Santa visit while getting more out of your evening.
Passport to Santa Dates 2026:
November
- November 12
- November 13
- November 14
- November 19
- November 20
- November 21
- November 23
- November 24
- November 25
- November 27
- November 28
December
- December 3
- December 5
- December 10
- December 17
- December 19
- December 20
- December 21
- December 22
- December 23
Save 50% on Passport to Santa Tickets at Exploration Place
If you’re an Exploration Place member, this is where the savings come in!
Members receive 50% off Passport to Santa tickets. Although this special event isn’t included with regular membership admission, the discount makes a big difference for families.
Passport to Santa Ticket Prices
- Adults ages 13 and older: $21
- Youth and seniors: $16
- Children ages 2 and younger: FREE
- Exploration Place members: 50% off tickets
That means member tickets are $10.50 for adults and $8 for youth and seniors.
A few things to know before purchasing:
- All 12 passport stations and the Santa visit are included with event admission.
- Parking is free.
- Food, drinks, and gift shop purchases cost extra.
- Regular Museums for All and ASTC reciprocal admission benefits do not apply to this event.
- No additional admission discounts are offered beyond the member discount.
If you already have a membership, definitely take advantage of the savings!
Tips for Visiting Passport to Santa with Kids
A little planning can help you make the most of your North Pole adventure.
- Wear socks for the indoor sock skating activity.
- Plan around the Dome’s 15-minute holiday laser shows, scheduled at 6:30, 7, 7:30, 8, and 8:30 p.m.
- Bring your camera or phone for your family’s Santa visit.
- Dress for the weather if you want to explore the outdoor Adventure Playscape.
- Strollers and wagons are welcome.
- Eat before you arrive if you want to save money on food. The Snack Lab will have holiday-themed snacks, treats, and drinks available for purchase, but outside food and drinks aren’t allowed.
If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the outdoor Adventure Playscape may close, but the indoor holiday activities will continue.
Passport to Santa 2026 Dates, Location, and Admission
Date: Select nights, November 12 – December 23, 2026
Time: 6 – 9 p.m.
Location: Exploration Place, 300 N. McLean Blvd., Wichita, KS 67203
Admission: $21 for adults ages 13+, $16 for youth and seniors, FREE for children 2 and younger
Member Discount: 50% off admission
Parking: FREE
Tickets: Purchase tickets and see available dates on the official Passport to Santa website.
Tickets are date-specific and nonrefundable. If you need to change your date, contact Exploration Place for assistance.
