Six acres of climb-higher, run-farther, stay-longer energy designed for all ages. It’s where little kids take brave first steps across Sunflower Meadow and teenagers test their limits at the top of towering structures on the Treetop Climber. It’s where families move together and imagination spills into motion.
This is outdoor play at a whole new scale. You don’t just visit once. You explore it differently every time and the adventure grows with your child.
Included with Exploration Place admission and free for members.
The Adventure Playscape is included in museum admission. Members get unlimited access year-round! Here is some helpful information as you plan your visit:
Parking
Free parking is available in the museum lot, including spaces for school groups, charter buses and RVs. If the lot is full, additional parking is available nearby.
Textron Aviation Flight Adventure is where the ground disappears and imagination takes off. Kids climb into the cockpit of a soaring Beechcraft Staggerwing suspended high above the playscape, stepping into the pilot’s seat nearly 30 feet in the air. They scramble through a bustling control tower, weave past a sleek Cessna Citation jet and set their sights on a 40-foot rocket that dares them to go higher. Then comes the rush back to earth, racing down the rocket’s slide with wind-in-your-hair energy. It’s bold, brave and unforgettable. The kind of place where bravery grows and every child gets to feel like they’re cleared for takeoff.
Junior League of Wichita Water Play Cascades is not a splash pad. It’s a landscape in motion.
Water tumbles down tiered stone ledges, creating real cascades that kids can climb, explore and claim as their own. They crank water uphill and send it rushing back down again. They wade through shallow pools, leap across channels and chase choreographed jets that seem to dance on command.
And as the sun sets, everything shifts. Colored lights illuminate the area while fountains bring the water to life. The entire space becomes something magical.
Even in the winter, when the water rests, the rock formations remain a place to scramble, balance and explore. It’s hands-on, feet-in and fully immersive. A place where kids don’t just get wet. They shape the experience.
The water will be active mid-spring through mid-fall.
At the top of the hill stands a 20-foot bison, strong and steady, watching over the prairie. But this isn’t just something to look at. Kids can climb up into the bison, move through its ribs, explore its interior and emerge on the other side ready to do it all again. It’s equal parts landmark and adventure.
Around the base, the story continues. Tents are pitched. Canoes are ready to launch. A faux campfire invites explorers to gather and imagine a night under the Kansas sky. Beneath it all, a winding river is embedded directly into the pour-in-place surface, turning the ground itself into part of the journey.
Bison Hill is the kind of place kids will head straight for the moment they see it.
Agriculture Overlook brings kids into the heart of Kansas.
Set low within the landscape, it feels like stepping straight into the fields that shape our state. Swings inspired by a Center Pivot Irrigation System stretch overhead, turning everyday farm machinery into motion and play. A massive combine invites kids to climb in, climb on and imagine themselves at the wheel of something powerful. And towering stalks of wheat rise all around them, ready to be shimmed, scaled and explored.
It’s hands-on. It’s rooted in place. It’s where kids don’t just look out over agriculture. They play inside it.
Sunflower Meadow gives little kids a big place to begin.
Designed specifically for ages five and under, this area transforms the life cycle of a sunflower into hands-on adventure. Kids move from seed to sprout, climb inside towering petals and explore how a plant grows, blooms, fades and begins again. Every element is scaled for independence, curiosity and just-right challenge.
It’s imaginative play built for growing bodies and growing confidence.
The Treetop Climber stretches more than 100 feet across the playscape, rising 23 feet at its highest point and inviting kids to test how high they’re willing to go.
It’s a living web of ropes and flexible membranes that shift with every step. Younger climbers may start low, building confidence close to the ground. Over time, they push a little farther, climb a little higher and discover they’re braver than they thought. Meanwhile, big kids and even teens find real challenge at the top, where balance, strength and strategy all come into play.
Hammock-style platforms create space to pause or sway above the action, while interactive elements at the base keep the experience engaging from the very first step.
It grows with you. The first climb feels big. The next one feels fearless.
Slide Hill is exactly what it sounds like and somehow even better. Six slides rise from varying heights, some tall and fast, others twisting and curving, plus one just right for smaller adventurers building their courage. It’s the kind of place where kids race back up before they’ve even caught their breath. Different heights. Different speeds. Same unstoppable joy.
The Foggy Flint Hills transforms the Kansas prairie into something unexpected. Rolling hills invite kids to run, climb and tumble, with tunnels woven throughout for surprise shortcuts and hidden routes. Then the landscape shifts. A cool layer of ground-hugging fog (active mid-spring through mid-fall) drifts up from below, wrapping the hills in mist and turning a simple climb into something cinematic. It’s active and immersive. A little wild in the best way.
The Prairie Zipline is pure momentum. Two side-by-side lines send riders soaring at the same time, turning it into a shared thrill instead of a solo ride. It’s that split-second of anticipation, the rush across open space and the immediate sprint back to do it again.
Tucked within the energy of the playscape are three sensory gardens designed as places to exhale. The Sensorium, Rock Garden and Habitat Maze offer quieter corners where families can slow down and connect with the outdoor environment in a different way. These spaces are intentionally neutral, welcoming and restorative. They invite exploration through texture, sound and movement while providing a calm reset for anyone who needs a break from the action. It’s still play. Just softer. More grounded. Deeply connected to nature.
Photo Gallery
Play. Refuel. Repeat.
Graze is an exciting addition to the Adventure Playscape and a meaningful expansion of what dining looks like at Exploration Place. While Snack Lab continues to offer quick drinks and grab-and-go favorites inside, Graze brings something new to the experience – hot, freshly prepared flatbread pizzas, perfectly crisp tots, creamy ice cream and cold fountain drinks, all served right where the action is. It’s still easy and family-friendly, just elevated. The kind of food that feels thoughtfully made, satisfying and worthy of a full day of play.
The new outdoor play and activity areas are quite impressive. Activities are diverse and some include water that can cool off folks in the summer. The outdoor ctivity areas are surrounded by quite impressive landscaping that both buffers the area from the city and enhances the beauty of the surrounding city. Lunch is available outside.
Bob
The new outside area is awesome and inside the kids have so much fun each time we go
Becki
This is AWESOME! My 8-year-old grandson had a blast in the flight area. One of his favorites was the fact that he could climb on the rocks. Nowhere else we've gone allows this and he loves to climb. Thank you for this investment in our community.
The flight area is really fun! We enjoy all the windy ways to climb. Having to actually think of where to place my hands and feet is great for cognitive growth & confidence.
We LOVED the camping theme. My kids had fun and I can see them coming back to play there a lot.
Bison Hill was so much fun for my 4 and 6 year old boys!
Bison Hill was amazing! ♥️ Our 8 year old loved the challenge of the reeds as an entrance into the Bison.
Kids had a blast on the combine set and the dual swings were great. Sensory garden had a lot of different great options, our 6 year old spent about 10 minutes with the spinning sand. Overall, they had a great time!
It was awesome. My favorite part was the music square step stones!
So many varying areas that I think there's something for everyone to enjoy.
The park was great! My kids loved the swings and sensory garden.
My favorite thing was climbing all the way to the top of the Treetop Climber. None of it was not cool. Running around the trees was very fun. (age 7)
We had so much fun [on] the Treetop climber! We felt like it was built in a way that is safe for kids to climb independently - which is so important for their autonomy! Thank you for the experience.
Yes! Sunflower Meadow is a dedicated play area tailored specifically for children aged 0-5 years old. While other sections of the playscape will incorporate features suitable for this age group, the Sunflower Meadow will be entirely devoted to our youngest visitors.
Exploration Place is working closely with an accessibility consultant, Kanics Inclusive Design Services, to help ensure guests of all abilities can enjoy this new addition. Each play structure has components designed to be accessible to a broad range of guests. One example is a wheelchair accessible carousel in Textron Aviation Flight Adventure.
Yes, metal slides can get hot on sunny days. We have carefully considered safety and designed the playscape in accordance with ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials). The slides have been strategically positioned to maximize natural shade. In addition to building custom shade structures, we’ve also planted over 250 new shade trees. On unusually hot days, our staff will monitor surface temperatures and close slides if necessary.
Why metal slides at all?
If we’re going to have slides, metal is the better choice over plastic in most ways. They last longer, don’t degrade and hold up better against vandalism. They also don’t produce static electricity, so no surprise shocks, which matters especially for kids with certain medical devices. And honestly? Kids love them because they’re a faster and smoother ride.
Reasons why metal slides are an industry standard:
Durability – Stainless steel outperforms plastic in terms of longevity. It resists UV damage, temperature fluctuations, and heavy wear, making it ideal for high-use spaces or sites prone to vandalism.
Sustainability – Designed with care by Richter Spielgeräte, our equipment is built to last using environmentally responsible materials.
Safety – Stainless steel does not produce static electricity, an important safety consideration for children with cochlear implants and other medical devices.
Play Value – Metal slides offer a smoother, faster ride than plastic, supporting healthy risk-taking and providing an exciting, engaging experience for children.
Our goal is to create a safe and enjoyable space where families can feel confident about their children’s safety while they play and explore. The playscape will be staffed and fully fenced with controlled access points to ensure children cannot wander off, providing peace of mind for parents.
The playscape will be included with regular Exploration Place admission, free for members, and included in other free exhibit admission programs such as Sunflower Summer, Museums For All, Blue Star Museums and Library Memberships. We’re not introducing a separate upcharge for the Adventure Playscape, and are not planning any significant price increases. Consider it an added benefit to the Exploration Place you know today.
Exploration Place is always looking for dedicated and passionate volunteers and this expansion will create many new roles and opportunities. Anyone interested in volunteering should apply here.
The Adventure Playscape at Exploration Place is an active outdoor environment. It includes climbing structures, water play and open exploration areas. Some activities carry inherent risk. To help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests, the following rules apply.
The Adventure Playscape is monitored by Exploration Place staff and security. However, use of the Adventure Playscape is at your own risk.
Adult supervision is required at all times.
Equipment must be used as intended.
Rough play, pushing or unsafe behavior is not permitted.
Climbing on fencing, railings, shade structures or non-play elements is prohibited.
Please stay on pathways and out of landscaped areas to protect our plantings.
No glass containers are allowed anywhere within the playscape.
Outside alcohol is not permitted. Outside food and drink is welcome in the playscape but not in the Water Play Cascades area. Groups may bring a maximum of one large cooler.
Illegal substances, smoking and vaping are prohibited.
Weapons of any kind are not allowed.
Bicycles, scooters, skateboards, Heelys, drones and motorized devices are not permitted within the fenced area, except ADA mobility devices.
Ball games and the use of balls, frisbees, kites or similar items are not permitted within the playscape.
Loose items such as cell phones, water bottles, keys and similar objects should not be taken onto play equipment. Please secure or store these items before climbing or using elevated features.
Only service animals as defined by the ADA are permitted inside the playscape.
Dispose of trash properly and help keep the area clean.
Bluetooth speakers and similar external audio devices are not permitted in the Adventure Playscape.
Bags and backpacks are not permitted on play equipment.
Helmets are not permitted on play equipment.
Only children aged 5 and under are allowed in the Sunflower Meadow play area.
Slides are designed for specific age groups – please check the posted signage before using any slide. Slides designed for ages 5–12 are not appropriate for younger children. All slides are designed and sized for children. Teens and adults who choose to use the slides do so at their own risk.
Slides must be used by one person at a time. Allow time for the previous rider to exit before descending. Exit promptly at the bottom. Sit upright and slide feet first only. Keep hands and feet inside the slide at all times. Do not use your feet to brake or slow yourself – this risks serious injury.
Commercial photography and video require prior written consent from Exploration Place. Personal photography and video for non-commercial use is welcome.
Exploration Place reserves the right to refuse entry or remove individuals who appear intoxicated, who violate park rules or who create unsafe conditions.
By entering the Adventure Playscape, you may be photographed or recorded by Exploration Place staff or authorized persons. Entry serves as permission for use of your image.
Photography for personal use is welcome throughout the park. Please be considerate of other guests and avoid photographing children who are not part of your party. If you have a concern about someone photographing your child, please speak with a staff member.
Loose clothing, drawstrings and jewelry can pose an entanglement risk on play equipment. We strongly recommend removing or securing these before play.
Strollers and wagons are welcome in the Adventure Playscape. Please be mindful of other guests and keep strollers and wagons clear of play equipment.Motorized strollers must be operated by someone on foot.
For first aid assistance, please contact a member of staff or visit the first aid station located at the food concession building.
During evening hours, visibility in some areas of the playscape may be reduced. Please take extra care, particularly on climbing structures and uneven surfaces.
Weather conditions affect the playscape experience. On hot days, surfaces including slides may become uncomfortably hot – please check before use. Exploration Place staff monitors slide temperatures and will close affected equipment during extreme heat. In cold weather, the impact-absorbing properties of play surfacing are reduced. In wet or rainy conditions, surfaces will be slippery. In icy or snowy conditions, surfaces may be extremely slippery and some equipment may be closed. In windy conditions, use caution on elevated structures. During periods of high winds, certain areas may be closed, and in more severe conditions, the playscape may be fully closed.
When lightning is detected within 10 miles, the playscape will close and guests will be directed to evacuate. The playscape will reopen 30 minutes after the last observed lightning strike. Guests who observe lightning or hear thunder are advised to exit immediately without waiting for a staff announcement.
In the event of a tornado warning, fire or other emergency, guests must follow staff directions and evacuation instructions immediately.
Individual features and areas within the Adventure Playscape may be temporarily unavailable due to maintenance, repair or other operational reasons.
Water Play Cascades and Foggy Flint Hills are seasonal features that will operate once the risk of frost damage has passed.
Finish the Vision. Protect the Experience.
Early supporters made this space possible. Your gift helps close the final funding gap and ensures the Adventure Playscape remains safe, vibrant and beautifully maintained for generations.
A dedicated tree, bench, or play feature connects your name to the moments families share here. It’s a simple way to be woven into the story of the Adventure Playscape.
