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Exploration Place is one of the best attractions in the Wichita area. Take a tour of this science museum if you're looking for a day trip that is both educational and entertaining. Here are a few things you won't want to miss on your next visit. Live Science Show Treat your family to a live demonstration of exciting science concepts by attending one of Exploration Place's science shows. These presentations are held year-round, on different dates and at different times, depending on the season. You'll get the opportunity to learn about physics, chemistry, electric energy, and even the science behind sweets and candy. Best of all, the presenters regularly allow children in the audience to participate to get a hands-on look at the concepts being demonstrated. These live shows are held in the Kemper Creative Learning Studio, which accommodates 150 patrons and is equipped with its own audiovisual setup. more Where Kids Rule If you're taking kids to Exploration Place, they'll definitely want to check out this enormous interactive exhibit. Where Kids Rule features more than 60 hands-on activities designed to facilitate learning in the fields of math and science. The exhibit is currently themed after medieval life and activities include building a bridge to cross a moat, learning how to apply horseshoes to horses, and understanding the mechanisms of gears and levers in devices such as catapults and trebuchets. The entire exhibit takes the form of a three-story medieval castle, transforming even the simple act of exploring its premises into a fascinating learning experience. Planet Shark Feast your eyes on this comprehensive shark exhibit, which is new for the summer of 2018. The exhibit features full-size models of different species of shark, exciting stories about human/shark encounters, and interesting fossils of prehistoric sharks, including their teeth. Adults and children alike are sure to enjoy learning about the anatomy, biology, and hunting strategies of these iconic ocean predators. You can even learn about shark conservation programs, including satellite tagging and monitoring initiatives. When you're done exploring this fascinating exhibit, don't miss the accompanying Great White Shark film, which is now playing at the science center's Dome Theater. Dome Theater Catch an immersive film at Exploration Place's Dome Theater. The screen was recently upgraded with digital technology for a crisper picture. The screen is 60 feet tall and wraps in a 360-degree view surrounding the seating stands. You'll be blown away by the audiovisual experience when you sit down to watch films such as Great White Shark, Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag, and Chirpie's Amazing World Adventure. Watching a film here is like taking a trip around the world — but at only $5 per ticket, it's a whole lot cheaper. You can check show times right on the website. There are so many great exhibits at Exploration Place that it can be hard to know where to start. You should check out anything that catches your eye, but visiting these especially exciting points of interest will get your day at the science center started off on the right foot. Photo by Garett Gabriel | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

Wichita might be the largest city in Kansas, but you don't have to travel very far to find some exceptional wildlife. Check out these four animal-based attractions in the area if you want to trade the urban jungle for something a little wilder, even if it's only for the day. Sedgwick County Zoo Be sure to visit Wichita's most popular animal attraction, the Sedgwick County Zoo. This large facility is comprised of several different exhibits, all of which are themed after regions of the world. You can visit the Africa exhibit to see gorillas, lions, and elephants, or you can head over to the zoo's Asia habitat to see tapirs, tigers, and the adorable red panda. more The Sedgwick County Zoo also offers learning programs for different age groups, from early childhood all the way to senior citizens. You can purchase a daily ticket for about $15 or a year-long membership for about $100. Great Plains Nature Center Treat yourself to a day of environmental education by going to the Great Plains Nature Center. The main attraction here is The Koch Habitat Hall, a museum exhibit that showcases the American prairie ecosystem. The hall also has an aquarium, as well as wetland and woodland exhibits. Join one of the facility's trips into the local wilderness, where naturalists will help you discover smaller regional wildlife such as snakes, frogs, and butterflies. Whether you want to attend a specific educational program at the center or just browse its exhibits, you're sure to have a fun and informative trip. Tanganyika Wildlife Park Visit this third-largest animal collection in the state to go on a truly wild adventure. This is a family-owned zoo named after the African country of Tanzania. Naturally, there are plenty of African animals on display here. You'll see pygmy hippos, giraffes, cheetahs, and mandrills. The zoo also offers close encounters and interactive exhibits with animals such as lemurs and Indian rhinoceroses. Tanganyika Wildlife Park acts as a responsible caretaker of its animals by maintaining certification with the American Humane Conservation Program and providing its animals with enriched lives and the highest level of care. The facility is located in Goddard, just west of Wichita. Chaplin Nature Center You'll find this charming nature facility just an hour south of central Wichita. Owned and operated by the Wichita Audubon Society, this is a place for bird lovers to congregate. The center has several different educational exhibits and hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as a butterfly count and stargazing program. The nature center is also surrounded by an extensive network of trails that will take you through 230 acres of dense forests, sweeping prairies, and scenic lakes. With just a little bit of luck, you'll have the opportunity to spot plenty of local bird life. The city of Wichita typically receives about 220 days of sunshine every year. Be sure to take advantage of this beautiful weather by getting outside and experiencing some of these great local animal attractions. Photo by P_Linehan | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

Nothing is more alluring to an art enthusiast than the draw of a world-renowned gallery. Favorite venues like the Wichita Art Museum and Ulrich Museum of Art host their fair share of visitors, but are they the only places in town to catch a stunning exhibit? Discover four smaller galleries in Wichita that you really must see, but probably haven't. Mead Street Gallery Mead Street Gallery is easy to miss, nestled near the shops in Old Town yet set apart. Find unique and locally made items such as vintage-inspired jewelry, blown glass pieces, and wooden home decor. Catch a glimpse of the creative process in full swing as artists work on their various projects right onsite. more Originality rules this gallery, and style is unlimited with 2-D canvas and 3-D metal pieces crafted primarily here in Kansas. Make sure to explore the booths out back, then sip a cup of tea and enjoy a bite of chocolate cake in its relaxing atmosphere. Museum of World Treasures Inspire your visual imagination at the Museum of World Treasures on First Street. Galleries filled with ancient wonders abound at the museum, from pre-Hispanic grave art to Apulian pottery which visually depicts the history of ancient Greece. Examine nature's artwork with fascinating minerals, crystals, and stones on display. History comes alive as you trek through time and experience dinosaurs, early Egyptians, and so much more. Deepen your appreciation for the arts and have coffee with the curator, hosted the third Thursday of the month at 9 a.m. Mid-America All-Indian Center The works on display at the Mid-America All-Indian Center are more potent than mere words. Found along the Arkansas River, the center is home to a gallery, museum, and a gift shop. The mission here is to educate and preserve the art and culture of America's native people. See traditional artifacts such as beadwork, pipe bags, jewelry, pottery, and woven baskets. Delight in the largest public collection of legendary Kiowa-Comanche artist Blackbear Bosin's artwork on permanent display. Find flags from over 70 tribes, proudly showcased in the center's Gallery of Nations. Then shop for authentic Native American clothing and handcrafted gifts before you head home. Tessera Fine Art Gallery Indulge your sense of wonder and delight at Tessera Fine Art Gallery on East Douglas Avenue. This gallery's 3,000 square feet is home to one of Wichita's largest original art collections, studios, and classrooms. More than 40 local artisans showcase their diverse media and styles in the heart of downtown's Old Town district. Final Friday is one of the best times to hit Tessera's gallery and the entire art scene in Old Town. Wichita's art walk is the perfect opportunity to explore a variety of galleries in a fun and festive atmosphere. Most museums and exhibition halls open their doors for free, so come on down. These are just four of the coolest galleries you really should see in Wichita. From the local monthly art crawl to the celebration of our country's native culture, embark on your creative adventure today. Photo by Ty Nigh | Licensed under cc BY 2.0