Looking for things to do in Wichita, KS? K&R RV Park sits in south Wichita, just minutes from I-135 and US-54/Kellogg — close to downtown, the riverfront, and the city’s best attractions, while still putting you a quick drive from Derby and Goddard. From hands-on science museums and a nationally ranked zoo to craft breweries, local boutiques, and dog parks, here are some of our favorite picks for exploring the Air Capital of the World.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Wichita is packed with things families love — hands-on science, animatronic dinosaurs, waterparks, and one of the largest zoos in the country, all within easy reach of K&R RV Park.
Exploration Place
Wichita’s premier hands-on science and discovery center sits along the Arkansas River next to the Keeper of the Plains. Explore interactive exhibits on flight, Kansas ecosystems, and space — and stay for the nightly “Ring of Fire” at the Keeper just outside.
Tanganyika Wildlife Park
A family-friendly interactive wildlife park in Goddard where hands-on encounters are the main attraction. Feed giraffes, pet stingrays, and get up close with rare and endangered species.
Sedgwick County Zoo
The most visited outdoor attraction in Kansas and one of the largest zoos in the United States. Home to over 3,000 animals across diverse habitats — plan for at least half a day.
Botanica Wichita
Over 17 acres of year-round botanical gardens with themed areas, seasonal events, and an award-winning children’s garden with a play area and carousel that make it family-friendly any time of year.
Blast Off Bay
An indoor space-themed waterpark in Goddard with tube slides, splash areas, and year-round fun regardless of the weather — a great rainy-day option for the kids.
Field Station: Dinosaurs
Over 40 life-sized, moving animatronic dinosaurs along walking trails in nearby Derby. Kids love the Raptor Maze, Jurassic Golf, and the live expedition shows.
Fun City Adventure Park
An indoor trampoline and adventure park with 15+ attractions — bounce, flip, and soar. A reliable way to burn off energy on a hot or rainy day.
Wichita Wind Surge
Catch a Double-A game at Riverfront Stadium in downtown Wichita. Affordable tickets, a beautiful ballpark, and a fun family atmosphere spring through early fall.
Rock River Rapids
A popular outdoor waterpark in Derby with slides, a lazy river, and splash areas — a great summer day trip and an easy drive from K&R.
Wichita Splash Pads
Wichita has a great network of free interactive fountains and splash pads around the city — perfect for cooling off with the kids on a hot Kansas afternoon.
Shopping & Local Finds
From upscale open-air shopping to downtown boutiques and locally made goods, Wichita has something for every kind of browser.
Bradley Fair
An upscale open-air shopping and dining destination on Wichita’s east side featuring national and local retailers, restaurants, and a seasonal farmers market.
Towne East Square
Wichita’s largest indoor mall featuring major retailers and the Scheels sporting goods megastore — a destination in itself with a Ferris wheel and aquarium inside.
The Workroom
A unique downtown retail destination showcasing goods from over 100 local artists and makers — art, home décor, gifts, and a champagne bar to sip while you shop.
Old Town & Historic Delano
Old Town is Wichita’s nightlife and entertainment hub of restaurants, bars, and shops in restored warehouses. Just across the river, Historic Delano offers boutiques, galleries, and cattle-trail charm.
Favorite Local Restaurants
Wichita was named a “Top 10 Surprising Foodie City” by Livability.com — and once you start eating your way through town, you’ll see why. Here are a few local favorites to start with.
The Monarch
Bourbon, burgers, and patio games in the Delano district. Great atmosphere, strong drinks, and one of Wichita’s most popular gathering spots.
Details →Doo-Dah Diner
Iconic Wichita brunch spot serving comfort food classics. The bread pudding is legendary, and the weekend line tells you everything you need to know.
Details →Wichita Brewing Co
Pizza and craft beers brewed on-site, with multiple locations across Wichita. Casual, fun, and consistently good — a reliable pick for families and groups.
Details →Meddys
Fast-casual Mediterranean with multiple Wichita locations. Fresh, flavorful, and affordable — a must-try even if you think you don’t like Mediterranean. Locals swear by the chicken shawarma plate.
Details →In Delano / Old Town
- The Monarch — Bourbon, burgers, and patio games.
- B&C BBQ — Award-winning barbecue.
- Public — Seasonal menus, craft cocktails, live music.
Breakfast & Brunch
- The Beacon — Classic breakfast and brunch favorites.
- Doo-Dah Diner — Iconic comfort food brunch.
- Jimmie’s Diner — Retro diner close to K&R RV Park.
Burgers, Tacos & More
- Dempsey’s Burger Pub — Gourmet burgers in College Hill.
- El Fogon — Hole-in-the-wall, authentic tacos.
- Ty’s Diner — Old-school Wichita experience, lunch only.
Groups & Outdoor Fun
- Chicken N Pickle — Pickleball courts and yard games.
- Wichita Brewing Co — Pizza and craft beers.
- River City Brewing — Riverside brewpub vibes.
- Nortons Brewing Co — Outdoor games and brews.
- Meddys — Fast-casual Mediterranean.
- iTZCALi — Tapas and tequila.
- The Belmont — Trendy spot with a great atmosphere.
Looking for more? Visit Wichita has a full restaurant and brewery directory.
Dog Parks
Traveling with a dog? Wichita has several free, fenced off-leash parks — including one just minutes from K&R RV Park.
Chapin Park Dog Park
The closest off-leash area to K&R, with large and small fenced enclosures, shade shelters, water, and on-site parking. Located at Hydraulic and MacArthur.
K-9 Rooster Dog Park
A newly renovated and welcoming dog park on Wichita’s north side with shade shelters, drinking fountains for dogs and humans, and an on-site dog wash station.
Museums & Cultural Stops
For the Air Capital of the World, Wichita has a deep roster of museums covering aviation, the Wild West, world history, and Native American heritage.
Old Cowtown Museum
A 23-acre open-air museum that recreates Wichita from 1865 to 1880. Costumed interpreters demonstrate frontier trades and daily life — an immersive way to experience the city’s Wild West roots.
Museum of World Treasures
From dinosaur fossils and ancient Egyptian artifacts to a real piece of the Berlin Wall, this eclectic three-story museum in Old Town covers a staggering range of history. A surprise favorite for many visitors.
Mid-America All-Indian Museum
Dedicated to the art, culture, and heritage of American Indians, the museum sits beside the Keeper of the Plains and houses the largest collection of Blackbear Bosin’s work.
Kansas Aviation Museum
Discover the history of flight in the city that built Cessna, Beechcraft, and Learjet. Housed in the original 1935 Wichita airport terminal, with aircraft, artifacts, and interactive exhibits — and it’s one of the closest attractions to K&R.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do near K&R RV Park in Wichita, KS?
Wichita offers a wide range of attractions including the Sedgwick County Zoo, Exploration Place, Botanica gardens, the Keeper of the Plains, Old Cowtown Museum, and Tanganyika Wildlife Park. The city also has a thriving dining and craft brewery scene, minor league baseball, and unique local shopping. From K&R RV Park in south Wichita, most major attractions are within 10–25 minutes.
How far is K&R RV Park from downtown Wichita?
K&R RV Park is located in south Wichita at 3200 S Southeast Blvd, about 10–12 minutes from downtown via I-135. You’re close to the riverfront museums, Old Town, and Delano, while staying a quick drive from Derby and Goddard attractions.
What family attractions are near K&R RV Park?
Families staying at K&R can visit Exploration Place, the Sedgwick County Zoo, Botanica Wichita, Fun City Adventure Park, and Wichita Wind Surge baseball — all within about 20 minutes. Field Station: Dinosaurs and Rock River Rapids in nearby Derby, plus Tanganyika Wildlife Park and Blast Off Bay in Goddard, round out the options.
Are there dog parks near K&R RV Park?
Yes. Chapin Park Dog Park, at Hydraulic and MacArthur, is the closest off-leash area — only about 5 minutes from K&R — with large and small fenced enclosures, shade, and water. The recently renovated K-9 Rooster Dog Park on North Meridian is another great option about 20 minutes away.
Where are the best restaurants near K&R RV Park?
Wichita was named a Top 10 Surprising Foodie City. Local favorites include The Monarch for bourbon and burgers, Doo-Dah Diner for brunch, Meddys for Mediterranean, and Wichita Brewing Co for pizza and craft beer. Jimmie’s Diner is a retro spot close to K&R, and the Delano and Old Town districts are packed with more options.
What is there to do near Wichita, KS when it rains?
Plenty. Blast Off Bay indoor waterpark, Exploration Place science center, the Kansas Aviation Museum, Museum of World Treasures, Fun City Adventure Park, and the Mid-America All-Indian Museum are all great rainy-day options within about 25 minutes of K&R RV Park.
Want to explore more options?
Wichita is home to many exciting attractions, events, nightlife, and delicious local restaurants. Discover all that the city has to offer.