Travel Panda

Travel Panda Budget fun � occasional splurges �
Exploring Wichita & beyond with kids �

10/09/2026

🏰✨ Calling all little princes, princesses, knights, and adventurers!

Did you know there’s a GIANT castle playground just a short drive from Wichita?! 👀

📍 Castle Park | Augusta, Kansas

This isn’t your average playground! We’re talking about 11,000 square feet of climbing, exploring, and imagination running WILD! 🐼💜

Here’s why it’s worth the adventure:

🏰 HUGE castle-themed playground

🛝 Separate fenced play areas for toddlers (2–5) and bigger kids (5–12)

♿ Inclusive play features and wheelchair-accessible areas

💚 Cushioned play surfaces

🧺 Picnic areas and restrooms nearby

🌊 A splash pad across the parking lot for summertime fun!

And here’s something even cooler… this castle was rebuilt in 2024 with the help of over 1,500 community volunteers! ❤️

📍 2923 Ohio St, Augusta, KS

💰 Cost: FREE!

🐼 Travel Panda Tip: Pack some snacks, bring your imagination, and plan for plenty of playtime!

✨ Save this for your next family adventure!

👇 Have you visited Castle Park yet, or is this going on your must-visit list?!

09/05/2026

☕️ Did you know there’s a student-run coffee shop hiding in downtown Wichita?!

The Coffee Spot is tucked inside WSU Tech NICHE at 124 S Broadway, and I finally stopped in to try it!

I grabbed an iced matcha with almond milk, honey & lavender 💚 and obviously couldn’t leave without something sweet. 👀🍪

What makes this place even cooler? It’s an applied-learning cafe where WSU Tech culinary and hospitality students get real hands-on experience. So your coffee run is helping support students while they learn their craft. 🙌

Definitely one of those Wichita spots you could walk right past without realizing what’s inside!

📍 The Coffee Spot at NICHE
124 S Broadway, Wichita, KS

🐼 Follow Travel Panda for more hidden gems, family adventures & places worth checking out around Wichita!

08/24/2026

📍 Riggs Park | Haysville, KS 🐼🌳

Just a short drive from Wichita, Riggs Park is a GREAT one to add to your family adventure list!

🛝 Big playground with plenty to explore for older toddlers and bigger kids
🐾 Have a littler adventurer? There’s a smaller, more toddler-friendly playground just a short walk down the trail!
🚲 Bring the bikes or scooters — there are wide paved trails nearby that are perfect for riding, walking, or exploring.

🎆 BONUS: Check it out around the Fourth of July! Haysville puts on a Fourth of July celebration AND sets off fireworks right at the park. Find yourself a spot near the lake, bring some lawn chairs, and enjoy the show! 🎇🪑

Definitely worth the short drive south of Wichita! 🐼💜

📍 Riggs Park | Haysville, Kansas

KansasKids ThingsToDoInWichita FamilyAdventures

08/23/2026

PLAY at the Wichita Art Museum has become one of our favorite indoor spots for kids. ❤️

✔️ Toddler area with toys and puzzles
✔️ Book nook filled with picture books
✔️ Hands-on art activities
✔️ Open play space for all ages
✔️ Rotating activities, so there’s always something new to explore

I love that it’s more than just a place to burn energy—it’s designed to encourage creativity, reading, problem-solving, and imaginative play.

If you’re looking for a lower-key indoor adventure that keeps little minds busy, this one is definitely worth adding to your Wichita family bucket list.

📍 PLAY at the Wichita Art Museum
👶 Toddler-friendly
🎨 Great for rainy days, hot afternoons, or when you need a change of scenery

Have you been to PLAY yet? What was your child’s favorite part?

08/22/2026

🌅✨ Andover’s 13th Street Sports Park hits DIFFERENT after sunset!

During the day, it’s already a win with a splash pad + playground combo 💦🛝 — but once the sun goes down, the park starts to GLOW! 🌈✨

We caught it right around sunset, and watching the playground light up as it got darker made the trip even more fun.

📍 13th Street Sports Park — Andover, KS
🚗 Just a short drive from Wichita
💦 Splash pad + playground during the day
🌈 Glow playground after dark
💰 FREE family fun!

If you’re looking for something different to do with the kids, this one is totally worth the drive from Wichita! 🐼💜

Save this one for your next family adventure!

FamilyFun FreeThingsToDo WichitaFamilyFun AndoverKansas TravelPanda GlowPark KansasAdventures

Finally made it to 13th street sports park in an Andover! This park does not disappoint!!
08/21/2026

Finally made it to 13th street sports park in an Andover! This park does not disappoint!!

07/18/2026

Looking for something FREE to do with the kids this summer? 🍿

RiverFlix at Exploration Place is back with FREE outdoor movie nights every Friday!

✔️ Bring blankets or use their folding chairs
✔️ Pack your own snacks or grab food from local food trucks
✔️ Family-friendly movies all summer long

📌 Save this for later and send it to another Wichita parent! ❤️

06/28/2026

🍦 Wichita parents, if you need an easy afternoon outing, Trader Joe’s is such a fun stop!

Let the kids push the mini carts, grab your favorite treats, then head outside to the shaded picnic tables for an ice cream break. ☀️🧺

If you’re dairy-free like we are, they have some amazing options! My favorites are:
🤍 Dairy-free coconut Whip topping
🍪 Vegan Hold the Dairy mini cones
🍦 Oat non-dairy ice cream sandwiches

And don’t skip the plants and flowers! 🌿🌸 Trader Joe’s always has the cutest plant selection and some of the prettiest (and most affordable) bouquets in Wichita.

It’s one of our favorite little family outings when we want something simple, fun, and delicious. ❤️

📍Trader Joe’s – Wichita, KS

Have a favorite Trader Joe’s find? Tell me what I need to try next! 👇

06/10/2026

Looking for a family outing that’s fun, educational, and won’t break the bank? ✈️

The Kansas Aviation Museum has become one of our favorite spots to explore. Kids can enjoy the play area, complete a stuffie scavenger hunt, climb the observation tower, and check out real airplanes both inside and outside.

💰 Admission:
👶 3 & under: FREE
🧒 Kids: $7
🧑 Adults: $10

It’s a great option for a rainy day, a hot afternoon, or when your little one just needs a new adventure.

Save this for later and follow for more family-friendly things to do in and around Wichita! ✈️❤️

Address

Wichita, KS

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Travel Panda posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category