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Looking for some new additions to your book collection? Whether you’re a collector or just searching for your next good book, find it at a local Wichita bookstore. Here are five places to find the perfect book. more Watermark Books & Cafe For a truly local bookstore experience, be sure to visit Watermark Books and Cafe on East Douglas Ave. Open six days a week and closed on Sunday, the store offers a variety of books across many genres. With an excellent children's section, the store hosts many storytimes and author signing events to help encourage young readers. In addition, the bookstore publishes newsletters for kids, teachers, new releases, and seasoned readers. With a big focus on local and regional authors, you can find some Wichita gems at Watermark. The bookstore's cafe offers soups and a variety of pastries to enjoy with your book. F.C. Ziegler Co. Also located on East Douglas Ave., F.C. Ziegler Company is a small Catholic bookstore chain. Open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, they carry prayer books, devotionals, bibles, and gift items. You can find history books and commemorative edition books to celebrate special occasions such as baptisms and weddings. Book-a-holic Book-a-holic is a wonderful independent used bookstore. With three locations in Wichita, all three are open seven days a week. Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The store allows you to buy, sell, or trade for your next great read in any genre from cooking to science-fiction and everything in between. Barnes & Noble Are you ready to explore a store with something for everyone? Stop by Barnes and Noble on North Rock Road. Free WiFi means you can escape the daily grind to study or work while enjoying a Starbucks coffee in the on-site cafe. You can also relax and disconnect in many of the welcoming seating areas located throughout the store. With weekly storytimes (featuring free cafe items and giveaways for the kids), author events, book release parties, Barnes & Noble is a great weekly stop for the kids. In addition to their events and extensive periodical inventory, you can pick up special orders in-store. Al's Old & New Book Store LLC If you are looking for a new copy of an old book, head over to Al's Old and New Book Store on East William Street. The store focuses on carrying older titles that are hard to find in other locations, including classics and a variety of history books. If you are looking for a treasured book from years ago, ask them to show you the special research tools they have to help cut down your search time. Make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to explore their more than 40,000 book inventory. With so many options, it will be fun and easy to find your next read at one of these Wichita bookstores. Make it a weekly after-school field trip with the kids or make it a date night stop to sip a cup of coffee and browse the extensive book selections at your favorite store. Image via Pixabay by geralt

Winter has gotten a bad rap for being a time of slumber, sloth, and slowing down. But it looks like Wichita never got the memo. If anything, the city perks up when the temperatures go down. Check out some of the hottest events during the coldest days. more 1. Cars for Charities: Rod & Custom Car Show The only thing hotter than the coals of a warm Wichita fireplace are the tailpipes of the hot rods and custom beauties at this annual car show. This is an all-ages event, and kids under 11 get free admission. Darryl Starbird founded the car show 62 years ago in 1957. Take a trip down to the Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center on West Douglas Avenue to see the best show cars, custom cars, motorcycles, hot rods, restorations, and even live entertainment. Kids love the face-painting area where they can get decorated as brightly as the cars around the corner. They can also make model cars and take them home as custom-made souvenirs. The car show has a coloring station so younger attendees can let their creative juices flow while mom and dad ogle the vehicular artwork. Admission costs $14 for adults and $8 for kids between 12 and 17. The money goes toward The Arc of Sedgwick County and Starkey, two local charities. 2. Hit the Right Note at the Wichita Symphony Orchestra The Wichita Symphony Orchestra isn't your traditional orchestra; it puts on themed events and deeply interactive experiences. Sit down, lean back, and enjoy the classic 80s flick "E.T.," accompanied by the Wichita Symphony Orchestra. The genius of John Williams comes to life right in before you with strings, horns, flutes, and percussion. Watch the iconic BMX float in front of the moon on Dec. 7, 2019, at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 8, 2019, at 3:00 p.m. Are you a Beatles fan? Do you have kids, friends, or relatives who have yet to appreciate four most famed bandmates of the 1960s? There's no better way to experience the Beatles than with Revolution at the Wichita Symphony Orchestra. The music comes to life accompanied by fascinating photos and video animation. Hold your loved one's hand on Feb. 8, 2020, starting at 7:30 p.m. 3. Oscar Screenings of Short Films That Are Tall Treasures The Wichita Library is set to treat guests to a free and immersive dive into some of the world's best short films when it begins screening them on Feb. 16, 2020. Check out both live-action short films and animated treats. It's a great way to get your dose of hot modern cinematic art when the temperatures cool. The fun continues through Saturday, Feb. 23, 2020, at 5:45 p.m. You can find the full movie schedule on the Library's event calendar. Just because the rest of the hemisphere likes to sit back and chill — literally — during the winter, there's no reason you should follow suit. Check out these hot events in Wichita this season. Image via Pixabay by YannaZazu

When the leaves begin to change and there's a chill in the air, Wichita, Kansas, plays host to a plethora of fall festivals. The festivals range from cultural and art to culinary delights and will entertain both the young and old. Celebrate fall in Wichita at one of these fun local events. more 1. Wagonmasters Downtown Chili Cookoff Watch serious competitors vie for one of the coveted spots in the World Championship Chili Cookoff at Wagonmasters Downtown Chili Cookoff. The event takes place on September 28 and includes competitions in six chili categories and a salsa category. Purchase a tasting kit and sample the various chili and salsa recipes from competing teams. When you need to cool off your taste buds, head to one of the booths for a cold beer or soda. Kids can burn off energy in the kids zone or join in one of the fun activities. After getting your fill of chili, kick back and listen to live music from Epic. Wagonmasters Downtown Chili Cookoff will be held at Century II, 225 West Douglas Avenue and begins at 11 a.m. 2. Bloktoberfest Bloktoberfest is at WaterWalk Plaza on October 4 and 5. This family-friendly event celebrates German heritage and features a Biergarten with local, regional, and German craft beers, along with local food trucks and live entertainment. Jam to the bands while you sip on a beer or test your skills by competing in the hot dog eating contest or stein hoist. Kids can enjoy the carnival games and watching the Wiener Dog Olympics and dog costume contest. Bloktoberfest will be held at 515 South Main Street and is open on Saturday, October 4, from 4 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, October 5, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is free to the public. 3. Tallgrass Film Festival Attend the largest film festival in Kansas, Tallgrass Film Festival, from October 16 to 20. The festival is in its seventeenth year and has won critical acclaim by bringing together filmmakers, directors, writers, and actors and featuring numerous top independent films. More than 150 feature and short films are screened from local, regional, national, and international talent. In addition to showings, the festival also includes roundtables, filmmaker labs, gala parties, and VIP receptions. Tallgrass Film Festival will be held at various locations in downtown Wichita. Admission prices range from $7 to $250. 4. Wichita Asian Festival The Wichita Asian Festival is on October 26 at Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center. The event is presented by the Wichita Asian Association and provides an immersive experience into 15 different Asian cultures with live performances, crafts, and more. Cheer on contestants in the Miss Wichita Asian Festival Pageant and stroll the aisles to see handcrafted artisan items and traditional Asian clothing. Henna tattoos are offered from artists and kids can play around in the kids zone. Bring your appetite because local Asian food trucks, restaurants, and cultural organizations will be serving up delicious authentic cuisine. Wichita Asian Festival will be held at 225 West Douglas Avenue from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Admission is free to the public. Image via Pixabay by JaStra

Located in the south-central part of Kansas, Wichita is the largest city in the state. Since it was founded as a trading post on the Chisholm Trail in the 1860s, the city has been attracting new residents all the time. If you're making a move to Wichita and you're wondering what to expect, here are five things to keep in mind. more 1. Minimal Traffic If you're coming from another major city in the United States, you might be surprised by the minimal traffic in Wichita. Even though it's the biggest city in the state, you'll rarely have to deal with major traffic delays. You might occasionally run into a slow down during rush hour or when the roads are being worked on, but almost everything in Wichita is a 15- to 20-minute drive away, which makes commuting and running errands a breeze. 2. Easy to Get Around Perhaps one reason why Wichita doesn't have to deal with major traffic issues like other cities is that the city is laid out in a grid system that's fairly easy to navigate. The interstate system also makes it simple to get around the city. If you want to avoid the heart of Wichita, Interstate 35 runs east of the city and Interstate 235 runs west of it. On the other hand, if you need to head to downtown Wichita, Interstate 135 takes you directly through the heart of the city. 3. Plenty of Things to Do When you arrive in Wichita, you'll discover you have plenty of activities to enjoy. You can check out the animals at the Sedgwick County Zoo, learn more about nature at the Great Plains Nature Center, tour the Wichita Art Museum, stroll through the lovely Botanica Wichita Gardens, and more. 4. East Versus West After you move to Wichita, you might notice people will ask if you live on the east side or west side. This is because Wichitans have a friendly East Wichita versus West Wichita rivalry. At one time, it wasn't so easy to get from one side of the city to the other. People who lived on the east side or west side typically didn't leave their side of town. While new major highways have now made it much easier to get around, this good-natured teasing about which side is best still persists. 5. Numerous Golf Courses Although places like Florida and Arizona get all the glory when it comes to golf courses, Wichita also has plenty of excellent options. If you enjoy golfing, Wichita has five premium public courses conveniently located around the city. Each course offers its own unique layout and provides a different challenge for golfers of all skill levels. Of course, these aren't the only golf courses in the area. You'll also find numerous private clubs that have some spectacular courses and other amenities. Wichita is a lovely city with a unique vibe. If you're planning a move to the city, these are just a few things you can expect when you arrive. Image via Flickr by Ty Nigh

While Wichita, Kansas, certainly has its fair share of popular and renowned attractions, there are plenty of unique and lesser-known attractions that are worth seeking out. With a rich history and an Old West vibe paired with a thriving cultural scene, there's much to explore. more Old Cowtown Museum Take a stroll through the past at the Old Cowtown Museum. The open-air living history museum covers 23 acres and includes 54 historic structures that demonstrate an Old West town. Step inside the Smith House and Blood Family Homestead, two frame houses that were built in the late 1800s. The houses include period furniture, clothing, and memorabilia. The recreated Southern Hotel is a 19th-century rooming house complete with a dining room and lobby on the first floor. Aside from homes, you'll also find retail establishments such as a general store, livery stable, blacksmith, saloon, and saddle and harness shop. Historical interpreters in costume offer insight into the daily life during that period, and you can opt for a self-guided or guided tour of the museum. Old Cowtown Museum is located at 1865 Museum Blvd. and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Kansas Firefighter's Museum The historic Engine House Number 6 is home to the Kansas Firefighter's Museum. The museum features equipment used in the 1800s as well as Model-T and Model-A fire trucks. You'll also find a hand-operated water pump, uniforms, ladders, buckets, and helmets that were once used to fight Wichita's fires. Head upstairs to see the firefighters' beds, the brass pole they used to slide down in an emergency, and a variety of other memorabilia from firefighters across the state. After touring the museum, pay your respect at the nearby Kansas Fallen Firefighter Memorial. The memorial includes a statue of a firefighter in debris, a brick plaza, memorial wall, and a meditation area. The Kansas Firefighters Museum is located at 1300 S. Broadway St. and is open Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mid-American All-Indian Center Learn about Native American history at the Mid-American All-Indian Center, which is found in central Wichita on the east bank of the Arkansas River. The facility is a museum and cultural center featuring artwork, artifacts, interactive exhibits, and more. Wander the halls to see displays of sculpture, paintings, beadwork, and handicrafts. Have a seat and watch one of the videos about Indian culture and heritage. Head outside to see a full-size Plains Indian tipi, traditional gardens of edible and medicinal plants, and supply carts. Guided tours are available, or you can also take a self-guided tour at your own pace. Mid-American All-Indian Center is located at 650 N. Seneca St. and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. When you're eager to find Wichita's hidden gems, you won't need to look far. Scattered around the city are numerous attractions that are certainly worth visiting. Spend the day discovering Wichita's unique attractions and you'll walk away with not only a deeper knowledge, but also a deeper appreciation. Image via Flickr by Ty Nigh

With a rich history and culture, there's no shortage of educational experiences in Wichita, Kansas. Both kids and adults alike will enjoy taking in the sights and museums to learn more about the area's past. more Kansas Firefighter's Museum All kids love the fire station and now they can take a tour of one while learning about history at the Kansas Firefighter's Museum. The museum is home to the state's largest collection of firefighting memorabilia and includes a Model-T, a Model-A fire truck, hats, uniforms, ladders, buckets, and more. Get an up-close look at a 1930s fire engine, as well as a functioning steam-powered water dispersion system. Kids will get a kick out of seeing the brass pole that was once used to slide down when the firefighters were called out to an emergency. After touring the museum, head to the nearby Kansas Fallen Firefighter Memorial, which includes a memorial wall, statue of a firefighter in debris, brick plaza, and a meditation area. Kansas Firefighters Museum is located at 1300 S. Broadway St. and is open Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kansas Aviation Museum There are only two air-worthy Boeing B-29 Superfortress aircraft left in the world, and the Kansas Aviation Museum is home to one of them. Manufactured during WWII, the B-29 has been restored to its full glory and is now a flying museum. When not in the air, it's on display at the museum's B-29 Doc Hanger & Education Center. Aside from the B-29, you'll also see a 1927 Swallow, 1929 American Eagle, and more. Sit inside these stunning aircraft and imagine soaring through the sky. Browse exhibits that tell the tale of these mighty aircraft and the history of aviation. Educational programs are offered throughout the year for all ages. The Kansas Aviation Museum is located at 3350 George Washington Blvd. and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Old Cowtown Museum Learn about the history of the Old West at the Old Cowtown Museum. Spanning over 23 acres, the open-air living history museum features 54 historic structures that depict an Old West town. Inside the Smith House and Blood Family Homestead, which are frame houses that were built in the late 1800s, you'll find period clothing, furniture, and memorabilia. The Southern Hotel is a recreated 19th-century rooming house with a dining room and lobby. In addition to period homes, you can also tour retail establishments such as a saloon, general store, blacksmith, livery stable, and saddle and harness shop. The interactive exhibits also feature costumed historical interpreters that offer further insight into the daily life of the past. Guided tours are available, or you can opt for a self-guided tour. Old Cowtown Museum is located at 1865 Museum Blvd. and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. Spend the day exploring Wichita's museums to learn about the city's past and present. With so many educational experiences available for all ages, you'll no doubt have fun while learning a little something. https://www.flickr.com/photos/neuwieser/5965760870/sizes/l Image via Flickr by Neuwieser

As the popular adage goes, "April Showers bring May Flowers." When the time for blooming flowers comes, you'll be glad you're in Wichita. With parks, gardens, and other outdoor areas full of flowers, you'll get wonderful photo-ops and a burst of color that only nature can provide. more 1. Botanica, The Wichita Gardens Opened in 1987, Botanica, The Wichita Gardens is Wichita's premier community gardens, featuring flora from across the globe. The gardens cover just over 17 acres, providing plenty to see as you wander the footpaths that wind their way across the park. Some of the highlights include a children's garden, a rose garden, a greenhouse full of succulents and cacti, and examples of local flowers and foliage. Botanica is located at 701 Amidon St. in Wichita. The gardens are open from mid-May to mid-September. Admission is $7 for adults (13-61), $6 for seniors (62+), and $5 for youths (3-12). 2. Great Plains Nature Center Located in the heart of Wichita, the Great Plains Nature Center is a city-owned reserve that demonstrates what Wichita was like before settlers arrived. While the park is mainly geared to the preservation of local mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, and birds, it's also home to 800 species of non-woody flowering plants. This includes the iconic sunflower, which adorns Wichita's state highway signs and is one of the most striking sights throughout Kansas. The Great Plains Nature Center is located at 6232 E. 29th St. North. Admission is free. 3. Linwood Park Just south of downtown Wichita, Linwood Park offers a sense of community through its public swimming pool, basketball courts, volleyball courts, picnic tables, and barbecue grills. However, it also has several trails that wind their way through the unspoiled wilderness. Along the way, you'll be treated to a colorful array of perennial and annual flowers that provide a calming getaway right in the middle of the city. You can find Linwood Park at 1901 S. Kansas St. 4. Sedgwick County Park Located just outside the Interstate 235 loop in western Wichita, Sedgwick County Park goes into full bloom during spring. With numerous hiking and walking paths, you can explore the flowers, trees, and shrubbery that are native to the park. The park is also home to ducks, geese, rabbits, and other wildlife, especially around one of the park's four lakes. Once you're done soaking in the scenery, check out the playground or the fishing areas. Sedgwick County Park is located at 6501 W. 21st St. North. 5. Chisholm Creek Park Chisholm Creek Park is one of the biggest parks in the city, covering 282 acres of relatively natural wilderness. There are few amenities here, but the natural beauty of the park more than makes up for a lack of playground equipment or ball fields. Head out on a bicycle to cover the park in a timely fashion while leaving enough time to take amazing pictures. From the well-manicured gardens of Botanica to the natural flowers and foliage of Wichita's city parks and reserves, spring brings a beautiful bouquet of flowers that provide a stunning visual and a much-needed respite from the long winter. Image via Flickr by RichardBH

With spring quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to start planning out some fun-filled, outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy. Here are a few ideas to get out of the house and start enjoying the weather again after the long Wichita, Kansas, winter. more 1. Sedgwick County Zoo With over 3,000 animals and 400 species, the Sedgwick zoo offers hours of fun for the whole family. Visitors can check out Michael the lion, Stephanie the elephant, Daisy the ape, and a host of other animals that will amaze, entertain, and educate. The exhibits are specifically designed to be educational so children and adults alike can learn all about the animal's natural behaviors and lifestyle. There are also special events held throughout the year, a gift shop, and food vendors to provide a quick bite to eat. The Sedgwick County Zoo is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For ticket information, you can either visit their website or give them a call at (316) 660-9453. 2. Botanica: The Wichita Gardens Located in Sim Park, the Wichita Gardens is a beautiful display of flora that provides the perfect ambiance for a leisurely stroll. The designers have cultivated themed gardens like the Butterfly Garden, Rose and Wildflower Garden, Shakespeare Garden, and the Sally Stone Sensory Garden that will keep visitors captivated for hours. There are also special children's events throughout the year as well as educational programs. Botanica: The Wichita Gardens is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For tickets and membership information, you can visit their website or give them a call at (316) 264-0448. 3. The Keeper of the Plains Standing at the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas rivers, this landmark stands as a tribute to the Native American influence on the area. Originally built in 1974 by renowned Kiowa-Comanche artist Blackbear Bosin, the 44-foot tall Keeper stands proudly with his hands outstretched in supplication to the Great Spirit. With its memorial plaque to the Native tribesmen of the Great Plains, newly renovated walkway, and nightly "Ring of Fire" celebration, The Keeper of the Plains plays host to thousands of visitors yearly. For more information on the Keeper of the Plains, visit their website or give them a call at (316) 350-3340. 4. Old Cowtown Museum This 23-acre, open-air museum is dedicated to the history of Wichita and Sedgwick County, Kansas, during the latter half of the 19th century. Everything and everyone on the premises is dressed up to resemble the period, including costumed museum staff who demonstrate everyday chores and activities like cooking, gardening, and tending to livestock. The mission of the museum is to educate people about what life was like in the area during that time and how the area slowly transformed into what it is today. The Old Cowtown Museum is open Thursday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, either visit their website or give them a call at (316) 350-3323. With spring on its way, now is the time to start planning some fun-filled outdoor activities. Make sure to check out these and all the other outdoor activities you can do in Wichita. Image via Flickr by Fireboat895

Today's families are busier than ever. Each member is caught up with individual activities from work meetings to soccer practice, making together time even more important than ever. Make a few happy memories today at these indoor family fun centers in Wichita, Kansas. more The Alley The Alley is your one-stop-shop for a variety of entertainment possibilities from bowling and go-karts to the arcade. Now introducing Escapology, the latest attraction at The Alley. It delivers an exciting one-hour adventure that the kids will retell for years to come. Do you have what it takes to save the crew or is a murder mystery more your family's thing? Either way, you'll have to work together to solve the riddle. Check out Hologate. It's a virtual reality world where you can experience a snowball fight aboard a hovercraft with the game Cold Clash. SIMURAI is a team shooter game that will challenge your skills against robots and the powerful Dragon-Boss, while you and the older kids can save the world from the undead with Zombyte. Work up an appetite on the lanes, then head over to the onsite restaurant: AJ's Sports Grill. Even your ravenous kids will be satisfied with the Superdome. It's a gigantic 29-inch pizza topped any way you like it. Located at 11413 E. 13th St. North, The Alley is open every day to accommodate your family's demanding calendar. Join the club and get exclusive access to member events and budget-friendly special offers. Bliss Climbing and Fitness One of Wichita's best rock climbing gyms, Bliss is a family-owned, full-service bouldering complex. Bring all the kids along to Bliss. It's a welcoming retreat for climbers of all experience levels. Whether it's your family's first time on the wall or you guys are hardcore climbers looking for an alternative workout, Bliss Fitness has something for everyone. Challenge your body and mind with this fun physical activity while you build strength and flexibility. Bliss has programs for every member of the family, with youth rock climbing classes that might lead to a terrific new hobby. Adults will appreciate the wall's total body workout with programs for Mom and Dad. Ditch the boring gym routine and tone up at Bliss. With a supportive environment and experienced coaching staff, Bliss offers indoor fun for the whole family. Setters regularly develop fantastic new routes, so head over to 11114 E. 28th St. North and see what's new. Bliss is open daily for your convenience. Laser Quest What do you get when you combine hide-and-seek with the classic game of tag, in a high-tech backdrop? It's Laser Quest! Discover a series of multi-level arenas shrouded in fog, with heart-pumping music filling the hall. You never know who's waiting around the corner. Embark on an outstanding entertainment experience at Laser Quest on 2120 N. Woodlawn, except Monday when they're closed. Grab the kids and head out for a fun family adventure right here in Wichita. What's stopping you from enjoying one of these three exciting venues today? Image via Flickr by battlecreekcvb

When you're on the lookout for somewhere in Wichita, Kansas to spend a nice day with the kids, we have some suggestions. Enjoy the best family day filled with adventures at one of these fun and educational places. Museum of World Treasures What do you call a fascinating venue filled with ancient treasures from around the world? The Museum of World Treasures, of course. Touting a diverse collection of unique objects from military history to dinosaur bones and Egyptian mummies, the museum offers a glimpse into ancient civilizations long turned to dust. more Join museum staff on the first Thursday of the month from 5 to 7 p.m. for family night. For just $5, everyone 5 and older gets to meet a variety of dinosaurs, including Ivan, a 38-foot skeletal model of a Tyrannosaurus rex. Fun activities and projects add even more delight to the experience. Located at the Wichita Public Schools, the mission of the Museum of World Treasures is to inspire, entertain, and educate visitors. It's truly a wonderful way to spend the day with family, and it's open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Botanica — Community Gardens of Wichita Open year-round, Botanica — Community Gardens of Wichita is a terrific way to get the whole family outdoors. A center for horticulture, it now encompasses 30 separate gardens over 17 lush acres. Each unique area offers sculptures, streams, fountains, and waterfalls, in addition to more than 4,000 plant species that change over the seasons. There's also a library, as well as the Beverly R. Blue Teaching Garden dedicated to raising awareness. The Downing Children's Garden opened in 2011 and offers more than an acre of child-themed activities. The jewel of the children's garden, a beautiful carousel donated by Joyland Amusement Park, is a must-ride. Enter monster woods if you dare, explore the tree house and pond, and then have a seat in the enchanted glen for story time. Sedgwick County Zoo What family doesn't love a wild adventure at the zoo? Sedgwick County Zoo is home to 400 species of animals and 3,000 individuals grouped geographically based on their natural habitats, from Asia to Africa, from elephants to tigers. Learn more about the apes that reside at the zoo with a keeper chat at 3:30 p.m. every day or get eye to eye with a giraffe and feed him some veggies. Embark on a behind-the-scenes encounter your little ones will never forget, such as at the Cessna Penguin Cove. Get inside the enclosure and venture out into the habitat to meet the animals. Recognized for its successful breeding program of rare and endangered species, Sedgwick County Zoo recently announced the birth of orangutan Lily, who was delivered via C-section on Sep. 7. Grab the kids and enjoy the best family day in Wichita. With a visit to the Museum of World Treasures, botanical gardens, and zoo, it's sure to be an exciting excursion for all your family members. Image via Flickr by CrankyPK

Winter is upon us, and that means it's time to enjoy some of the best indoor and outdoor recreation opportunities Kansas has to offer. We've put together this short list of some of our favorite winter getaways to help you get started this holiday season. 1. Visit Lawrence Check out this town in northeastern Kansas on Dec. 1 and 2 this year to participate in its annual Winter Wonder Weekend. There are several events scheduled for 2018, including a Festival of Trees at Liberty Hall, a Gala Auction Party, an old-fashioned Christmas buffet dinner, and a gingerbread festival. more Naturally, the star of the show is the 26th Annual Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade. You'll get to see authentic horse-drawn carriages decked out in full holiday regalia and pulled by some of the most beautiful horses in the state. There are also lots of shopping and dining opportunities in the area. Best of all, Lawrence is just a little over two hours from Wichita, making it an easy trip. 2. Journey to Manhattan Also about two hours from Wichita is the city of Manhattan, Kansas. This is a great place to be during the winter season. The nearby Konza Prairie and Flint Hills offer spectacular landscapes; rolling, pastoral farmland blanketed in fresh snow greets the eye everywhere you turn. You can also check out the Flint Hills Discovery Center to learn about this environment. We recommend seeking solace from the cold with a warm cup of coffee at the nearby Radina's Coffeehouse and Roastery. Alternatively, if you'd rather be out and about, try ice skating at Wefald Center in City Park. 3. Stay at the Great Wolf Lodge Stay at this posh lodge right in Kansas City, Kansas, which is about two hours and 45 minutes from Wichita. The tastefully decorated rooms make for a great retreat from harsh winter weather. You can check out any number of nearby attractions while you're here, but you might not want to leave the premises when you see the amazing Christmas decorations. There are fully lit Christmas trees right in the lobby, and snowflakes hang from the ceiling and sparkle in the warm glow of the fireplace. Best of all, the Great Wolf Lodge has an expansive indoor water park that will make you forget all about the cold weather. 4. Seek Respite at the Cedar Crest Lodge Book a room at the Cedar Crest Lodge and enjoy a view of rural Pleasanton, Kansas, which is just under three hours from Wichita. Spring for the Country Meadow room if you want the utmost in luxury. This suite features a king-size bed, refrigerator, DVD player, and two-person corner soaking tub. If you're staying during a particularly cold winter, you'll really appreciate the heated floors and towel warmer. No matter which room you choose, this charming bed and breakfast lodge is a great place to enjoy the views of more than 100 acres of walking trails, trees, and ponds. Whether you're looking for an open-ended destination that will allow you to shop, dine, and have fun at your leisure or an all-inclusive lodge experience, there are plenty of great choices in the state of Kansas. Any of these four winter getaways will make this a season to remember. Image via Flickr by thigpen.robert

If you're a cultural buff, you'll find virtually endless opportunities to satisfy your passion in Wichita, Kansas. This wonderful city is also home to many excellent museums, which collectively provide a comprehensive insight into the history and culture of south-central Kansas and beyond. Visit to these three museums while you're in Wichita. Wichita Art Museum Wichita Art Museum is one of the premier art museums in Kansas. Since its establishment in 1935, its permanent collection has grown to over 8,000 items, with a particularly strong representation of American art. The museum's core collection is the Roland P. Murdoch collection, which includes works by famous artists such as John Singleton Copley, Thomas Eakins, Edward Hopper, and Arthur Dove. In addition, it has impressive holdings in Pre-Columbian art, art of the American West, and 19th- to 21st-century glass art. more Wichita Art Museum is on Museum Boulevard. It's open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission fees are $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $3 for students with ID. Museum of World Treasures Founded in 2001, Museum of World Treasures is a three-story museum that houses an extensive collection of interesting artifacts from around the world. On the main floor, you'll see dinosaur skeletons, meteorites, Egyptian mummies, and antiquities from the Far East. The second floor is dedicated to American history, featuring presidential memorabilia and autographs, and artifacts from the Civil War, World War I, and World War II. On the third floor, there are displays relating to famous athletes, musicians, performers, and authors. The museum also has a children's activity center that includes a castle, moonwalk, puppet theater, and toys. Situated on East First Street, Museum of World Treasures is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission fees are $8.95 for adults, $7.95 for seniors, and $6.95 for children 4 to 11. Kansas Aviation Museum Kansas Aviation Museum is dedicated to showcasing the rich history of aviation in Wichita, the “Air Capital of the World.” During your visit, you'll have the opportunity to walk on the floors where aviation legends such as Amelia Earhart, Howard Hughes, and Charles Lindbergh had walked and view a wide selection of historic and modern aircraft. There are also exhibits devoted to aircraft makers such as Cessna, Beechcraft, and Stearman, as well as computer simulators that artificially recreate the experience of flying an airplane. Kansas Aviation Museum is on George Washington Boulevard. It's open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission fees are $9.50 for adults, $8.50 for seniors, and $7.50 for children aged 4 to 12. Visiting museums in Wichita will make your vacation more fun and meaningful. Whether you're interested in art, nature, transportation, or sports, you'll be able to find a museum in the city that suits your taste. Photo by Rosedale7175 | Licensed under cc BY 2.0