✈️ 7 Best Things To Do in Wichita, Kansas (That Totally Surprised Me!)
I just got back from Wichita, Kansas — and YES, I was surprised!
Never in my wildest dreams did I think Wichita would have wildlife encounters, aviation history, foodie gems, and even baby elephants… and I can’t wait to tell you MORE about it.
If you’ve ever wondered whether Wichita is worth visiting, the answer is a big Y-E-S.
Here are my top 7 must-do experiences in Wichita, Kansas — TLT approved.
1️⃣ Kansas Aviation Museum ✈️
Did you know Wichita is considered the Air Capital of the World? The Kansas Aviation Museum is a total must-visit. Located inside a historic art-deco airport building, the museum highlights Wichita’s contributions to global aviation — from iconic aircraft to hands-on exhibits, you can even walk inside some airplanes. One specific area that stood out to me what the section about The Tuskegee Airmen. Something I don’t think is taught much in history so to see a piece of that exhibited really made me happy.
Whether you’re an aviation nerd or not (hi, it’s me, not), this spot is seriously cool and gives you the perfect intro to the city’s history. Ben who is the exe
✅ TLT Tip: Head to the lookout tower for a panoramic view!
2️⃣ Tanganyika Wildlife Park 🐧🦏
One word: WOW.
Tanganyika Wildlife Park blew my mind — this is one of the most hands-on wildlife experiences in the U.S.
I got to:
✅ Swim with PENGUINS (!!)
✅ Feed a rhino
✅ Hang out with a capybara
✅ Play with a lemur
✅ Pet & feed giraffes
✅ Meet the famous pygmy hippo, Mars
And I still didn’t do everything!
This is the kind of place where you feel deeply connected to animals and conservation. Perfect for families, animal lovers, or anyone who wants a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list experience. What I love about this place (in addition to the animals of course) is the staff. Everyone truly is so nice, so knowledgeable, and welcoming. There is a reason why this place is worth every $$$
Here is my recap reel of this place!
3️⃣ Explore Wichita’s Food Scene 🍽️
Listen… the food scene in Wichita is NOT playing.
From unique small bites to international flavors, here are a few of my favorites:
- Funky Monkey Munchies — creative street-food style eats
- Argentina Empanadas — authentic + DELICIOUS
- Stearman Field Bar and Grill
- The Belmont
Wichita is a foodie city — period. Come hungry.
4️⃣ Grab a Cocktail or Mocktail at Grow Plant Bar 🌿🍹
If you’ve ever wanted to sip a floral cocktail inside a chic botanical oasis, this is your spot.
Grow Plant Bar serves delicious cocktails + mocktails in a dreamy plant-filled space.
Perfect for ANYONE who loves a vibe!
5️⃣ Sedgwick County Zoo — Baby Elephants (!!) 🐘✨
The Sedgwick County Zoo is one of the country’s best — and I got to see FOUR baby elephants.
FOUR.
My heart exploded.This year, that zoo made headlines: it welcomed four baby African elephants, making it the first accredited zoo in the U.S. to have four elephant births in a single year.
I also visited during their holiday lights festival and the atmosphere was magical.
Whether you visit with your family or solo, this zoo is a must.
6️⃣ Snicks Cat Café 🐈⬛☕
Coffee + cats = perfection.
If you love cafés with a mission, Snicks Cat Café will steal your heart.
☕ Epic coffee
🐱 A cat lounge where you can meet adoptable kitties
🛍️ Cute local merch + gifts
You can choose to:
→ Work or chill while watching cats from afar
or
→ Enter the lounge + have one-on-one kitty time
The décor is 10/10, but what I loved most is their mission: helping cats find their FUREVER homes. Follow them + go support!
(Also — check out my recap reel!)
7️⃣ Pizza Hut Museum 🍕
Did you know Pizza Hut was founded in Wichita by two Wichita State students?
I had no idea!
This mini-museum is interactive, fun, and just about a 20-minute stop — the perfect quick activity while exploring campus.
Watch my reel here for the full scoop!
Final Thoughts 💛
This trip goes to show: you never know until you go. I never expected Wichita to have SO much to see, do, and EAT — but I was genuinely surprised in the best way.
A huge shoutout to Visit Wichita + TBEX for welcoming us with so much pride and community. From opening night to the closing ceremony, every detail made us fall in love with Kansas just a little more.
I’m already planning my return. 😉
