Educational Experience in Wichita

If you are planning to travel within the Wichita region in August, take a load off and enjoy yourself at one of these great August events. Summer is a time to celebrate and relax, so be sure to check out these extraordinary opportunities. more 1. Wichita Taco Fest 2019 Come celebrate America's great love for tacos, tequila, margaritas, and music at this year's Taco Fest. Get ready for a ton of fun at Old Cowtown Museum located at 1865 Museum Blvd. on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2019, from 3 until 9 p.m. Perks of this event include the sale of tacos for as little as $1 each, plenty of salsa and chips, along with desserts and smoothies galore. There will be games for the whole family, music by DJ Metiche and DJ Carbon and Box of Beats, best taco and best salsa competitions, and even a jalapeno eating competition. The host of this super gathering will be none other than celebrity chef, Jason Febres. 2. Anime Festival Wichita 2019 If you or your kids love anime, then Wichita in August is where you want to be. Come by for the annual anime festival organized by Woolfmoon Productions LLC. Special guests to this one-of-a-kind event will include voice actress Morgan Berry, writer Mary Claypool, voice actress Tara Sands, and Les E. Claypool III, audio engineer and owner of Magnitude B Post. Tickets will be $18 for Friday entry, $25 for Saturday, $20 for Sunday, or $45 for all three days. The Anime Festival will take place from Aug. 23-25 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Wichita. 3. Zombie Apocalypse Boot Camp Perhaps you are looking for something special to do or maybe your older kids have a lot of energy and you want to take them somewhere extra interesting? No sweat — check out the unbelievable Zombie Apocalypse Boot Camp that is taking place in Wichita this summer. In this unique boot camp game, you will find yourselves mid-apocalypse with no possibility of outside technology and none of the modern solutions we are accustomed to. Stores have been broken into and robbed and there is complete chaos. You will have no option but to learn archery, first aid, wild plant harvesting, and how to cook and fend for yourself in the wild. At the end of it all, you'll be tested in a final exam to see whether you truly can live like a survivor. The adventure takes place on Saturday, Aug. 3, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost is $20 for nonmembers and $15 for members, and you'll enjoy lunch and a free T-shirt. Kids between the ages of 12 and 16 are welcome to come with a participating adult. Wichita is all you thought it could be and so much more. From family fun with plentiful food and treats to innovative boot camps and shows, there is a variety to see and do. Take advantage of the fun this summer and visit a special event in Wichita. https://www.flickr.com/photos/travelbakercounty/41987775915/sizes/l Image via Flickr by TravelBakerCounty

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 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