Best Playgrounds and Parks for kids in and around Wichita

I learned my lesson early one July morning when I took my toddler to the zoo. All she did was pick up pretty rocks on the ground! I realized she didn’t care (yet) that there was a giraffe standing a few feet away.

After that experience, I began thinking about her perspective rather than my own (or worse, others) and found that her favorite things to do were easy, and readily available here in Wichita. A walk down the sidewalk was as much adventure as any trip to Kansas City as far as my toddler was concerned.

As she grew, visiting neat places like the zoo, a dairy farm, a pumpkin patch, a mini-golf course, and a museum were more appreciated. But she still loved the simple joy of playing on a playground – even one that wasn’t fancy.

So I learned to appreciate them too. Wichita has some beautiful parks and playgrounds. Some have train rides, mini golf, paddle boats, free zoo, zip lines, and more. The best part is ALL of these parks are FREE to visit (some of the rides might cost extra). 

Here are our top Playgrounds and Parks: 

O.J. Watson Park 

Location: 3022 S. Mclean Boulevard, Wichita, KS 67217 

Info about O.J. Watson Park:

• Admission to the park is free, but a fee is charged for participation in some activities and all rides
  • Miniature train – $4
  • Pony rides – $4
  • Kayaking and pedal boats – $4
  • Miniature golf – $4
  • Two playgrounds – FREE
  • Twenty sand volleyball courts – $5 per hour per court (minimum 3 hours)
  • Campfire circle, charcoal grills, 100 picnic tables (first come, first serve basis)
  • Open shelters, restrooms, drinking fountains
  • Community facility
  • Concessions and bait are available at the concession facility during spring, summer, and fall.
• For extra savings, get the coupon book: 
  • Bundle and save on rides with a coupon book! Good for train rides, mini golf, pony rides, and pedal boats. Redeem one ticket per ride.
    •  
    • $20 book = 6 tickets
    • $60 book = 20 tickets
    • $90 = 100 tickets 
    • Click HERE for more info 

OJ Watson Park. Photo: OJ Watson Park Facebook 

Riverside Park 

Location: 720 Nims N, Wichita, KS 67203

About Riverside Park: 

• Children’s
• playground 
• The Kansas Wildlife Exhibit is here. Click HERE for more info about this FREE ZOO
  • The Kansas Wildlife Exhibit features over 25 species in 8 naturalistic cages. Animals include beavers, bobcats, hawks, turkey vultures, and a golden eagle. 
• Splash pad

Riverside Park. Photo By: 360 Wichita 

Dalton Palmer Park 

Location: Dalton Palmer Park Augusta, KS 

Info about Dalton Palmer Park:

• 30-foot owner with a 16-foot deck and 30-foot slide
• 2 towers reaching more than 26 and 24 feet high
• Three 30-foot enclosed skyways
• One-of-a-kind gravity swing 
• Soft rubber surfaces

Click HERE to see more about Dalton Palmer Playground

Dalton Palmer Park Augusta, KS. Photo By: CJonline.com 

Island Park Playground

Location: 200 North Main Winfield, KS 67156 

Info about Island Park Playground: 

• This accessible playground features a customized castle entry and a custom fire truck, barn play house, corn crib, windmill, and boat.
• Waterfall on the western edge of the park
• 20-acre park with walking trails, picnic areas, and accessible restrooms 

Island Park. Photo By: Playgrounds.com

Madison Avenue Central Park 

Location: 512 East Madison Avenue Derby, KS 67037

Info about Madison Avenue Central Park :

• This park offers two event venues, an all-access playground and splash pad, an amphitheater, and a half-mile path for hiking and biking.
• Bring your lunch and take advantage of one of the two picnic shelters in the park.
• Kids of all ages and abilities can enjoy the accessible playground. It features a one-of-a-kind interactive sculpture that educates children about animals and underground nature.

Madison Avenue Central Park Derby. Photo By: Derbyweb.com

Pawnee Prairie Park

Location: 2625 S. Tyler Wichita, KS 7209

Info about Pawnee Prairie Park: 

• They have a zip line!
• It runs along Cowskin Creek.
• They have horse trails. 
• The park is home to various mammals, such as deer, foxes, beaver, muskrats, raccoons, and opossums, as well as over 100 species of birds.
• Bicycle Paths, Bridle Trail. Butterfly Garden, Nature Trails, and Wichita Wild Habitat

Pawnee Prairie Park. Photo By: Pawnee Prairie Facebook 

Exploration Place Park

Location: 300 North McLean Boulvrd Wichita, KS 67203

Info about Exploration Place Park:

• Outside Exploration place, you will find a hidden park with slides and more.

Exploration Place Park. Photo By: Exploration Place website 

Click HERE to find more Free and affordable things to do with Kids