Exploration Place members will get an exclusive first look at the new national traveling exhibit, Rescue from 6 - 8 p.m. Test your skills as you investigate technologies used by emergency crews on land, in the sea and the air. Plus:

• Save 20% in the Explore Store
• Get an up-close view of LifeTeam's medical helicopter.

Locally Sponsored by

The Shaw Family Foundation

Dr. R. Larry Beamer and Dr. Deborah Haynes

Dr. Gerald and Doris Nelson

Hotel at WaterWalk

Produced by       This is a special event exclusively for members. Regular admission and free passes do not apply. Must show valid membership card or photo ID.

Let Your Taste Buds Soar!

12th Annual Death by Chocolate Saturday, Feb. 24, 7-10 p.m. Indulge in delicious delights for STEM Education. Treat your senses with unlimited sweets and savory food and drinks from area restaurants, chefs and vendors. Boogie the night away with tunes from the popular Annie Up band. Support our science education programs through unique auction items and exciting games. Prices $90 per person (plus tax) Purchase Now Or call 316.660.0620. Party Like a Choc-Star! Ask about the first-class VIP Party within a Party. Enjoy early entry at 6 p.m. and exclusive event benefits. To find out more e-mail Mandy.Fleming@exploration.org. Follow the event: Death by Chocolate Facebook page Death by Chocolate Facebook event Exploration Place Twitter, Instagram #DBC12 All proceeds support Exploration Place’s science, technology, engineering and math educational programs, events and exhibits.

Friday, May 25, 2018 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Make your way through the murky myths and fascinating facts, which have surrounded sharks for centuries and gain a new level of respect for the oceans oldest and most effective predator. Afterward, join us outside for fun, family activities and the showing of Jaws, the last film in our all new outdoor film series, RiverFlix. This is a special event. Regular admission and free passes do not apply. Must show valid membership card or photo ID.

Test your skills as you investigate technologies used by emergency crews on land, in the sea and the air. Lift off in a helicopter simulator, escape a burning building, locate a missing person, perform a daring water rescue on a jet-ski, plus much more! Included in general museum admission, free for members. Locally Sponsored by

The Shaw Family Foundation

Dr. R. Larry Beamer and Dr. Deborah Haynes

Dr. Gerald and Doris Nelson

Hotel at WaterWalk

Produced by

Friday, May 11 6:30 pm - Midnight Prices Movie and outdoor activities Free Discounted indoor exhibit admission (6:30 - 8:30 p.m.) Members: Free Nonmembers (2 years and up): $5

Friday, May 18 6:30 pm - Midnight Prices Movie and outdoor activities Free Discounted indoor exhibit admission (6:30 - 8:30 p.m.) Members: Free Nonmembers (2 years and up): $5

Friday, May 25 6:30 pm - Midnight Prices Movie and outdoor activities Free Discounted indoor exhibit admission (6:30 - 8:30 p.m.) Members: Free Nonmembers (2 years and up): $5

Experience full-scale shark models cast from real specimens - including a great white shark! Find out about real-world shark attacks and how to avoid them, as well new shark observation methods. Look for more information coming soon! Included in general museum admission, free for members. Planet Shark: Predator or Prey is produced by Grande Exhibitions

A close-up of an iconic predator

In the NEWLY UPDATED Digital Dome Theater and Planetarium dive deep into shark inhabited waters. Encounter the great white and its place in society's imagination, fear and reality. Examine the creature's role at the top of the oceanic food chain. Sink through the waters of history, discover the truth behind the myths, hear about real-life shark encounters and more! Members' Night  Friday, June 22 from 6 - 8:30 p.m. Admission: FREE Enjoy the exhibits and experience the all-new film, Great White Shark at 6:15 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. And take part in fun activities, grab a snack at the concession stand and get 20% off in the Explore Store. Seating is first-come, first-served. Not a member? Click here to join! In-kind support provided by

Discover and create with Makers to unleash your inner inventor. Wichita Mini Maker Faire is independently organized and operated under license from Maker Media, Inc.

Meet the brave people and animals of K-9 Search and Rescue of Kansas. Pet the rescue dogs and talk with their trainers about the organization's goals and projects.

Discover and create with Makers to unleash your inner inventor. Wichita Mini Maker Faire is independently organized and operated under license from Maker Media, Inc.

Sip some science! Enjoy exclusive time at our fun hands-on exhibits while drinking your favorite adult beverages. Grab a bite to eat from local food trucks, soak up some knowledge with special presentations, plus much more! 2018 Schedule August 16: Sharks September 20: Toys October 18: Pumpkins November 15: Help the Hungry December 20: Holiday Cheer Prices Members: Free Nonmembers: $5 in advance, $7 at the door

It's your last chance to sink your teeth into this amazing ‘out of water’ shark experience. Come face-to-face with a great white shark, learn the true impact of the shark fin trade and gain a whole new level of respect for the ocean’s oldest and most effective predator. In this one-of-a-kind exhibit you will:

• Catch a close-up view of full-scale shark models cast from real specimens.
• Travel back in time 370 million years with rare fossils, plus real shark jaws and teeth.
• Uncover authentic artifacts.
• Get hooked on shocking stories of human/shark encounters.
• Tread the waters of shark anatomy, biology, hunting strategies and sensory systems.
• Swim through information about satellite tagging programs and conservation efforts.
• Plus much more!

Planet Shark: Predator or Prey has been created by Grande Exhibitions.

10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Ages 3 - 5 Advanced registration required for all classes at www.exploration.org or 316-660-0620. It’s science for preschoolers! Investigate, discover and question with your Kansas Kid while you encounter the wonder of our world. Jump into the world of toys and investigate the gaming universe. Plus, discover marvels of the fall and holiday seasons. Parents will receive a newsletter linked to the class’s monthly theme. September: Travel Through Toyland 5 - Limitless LEGOs^® 12 - The Story of Toys 19 - Etch and Sketch 26 - Toy Designer October: Play the Day 3 - Race around the Board 10 - Magnet Man 17 - Operation Science! 24 - Game Engineer 31 - Spooktacular Strategies November: Backyard Science 7 - Plants 14 - Veggies 21 - Fruits 28 - Harvest December: Holiday Wonders 5 - Light It Up 12 - Holidays Around the World 19 - Let It Snow, Let It Snow Prices Member          $5 per child, adult member free Nonmember    $7 per child, includes 1 adult

Join us at the Wichita Art Museum, 1400 Museum Bvld., along with Old Cowtown Museum and the Mid-America All-Indian Center for a relaxing evening with light appetizers, special prizes and fun. Prices FREE For adults 21 and over

Play all day long in a world of big toys and big fun! Shake things up with the world’s largest Etch-A-Sketch, tour a life-size doll house, build a fort, and set the high score in the retro video arcade, plus much more! Toytopia is produced by Stage Nine Exhibitions.

Bunny TNT Sunday, Nov. 18 2 - 4 p.m. Hang out with some furry friends from Bunny TNT (Training, Nurturing, Therapy) and learn more about these cuddly creatures. Located in WaterWay Hall. Included in general museum admission, free for members.

Start your holiday shopping early! Members, get 20% off purchases. If you’re not a member, you still get 10% off. No admission needed to shop the store.  

Let It Snow! In the Digital Dome Theater and Planetarium Saturday, November 24 - Monday, December 31 Enjoy this fun, family show featuring holiday images and scenes set to favorite songs from Frank Sinatra to the Muppets. Dome prices apply.  

Kansas in Miniature Holiday Show Saturday, November 24 - Monday, December 31 Soak up the sights and sounds of the holiday season as this popular exhibit is decked out for a 1950s holiday, complete with a Christmas parade and nostalgic music.

Tell Kris Kringle himself what you want for Christmas. In the Main Lobby. Free admission.

Play all day long in a world of big toys and big fun! Shake things up with the world’s largest Etch-A-Sketch, tour a life-size doll house, build a fort, and set the high score in the retro video arcade, plus much more! Toytopia is produced by Stage Nine Exhibitions.

Sip some science

All-new adult event series Third Thursday of every month, 5:30 to 9 p.m. Enjoy exclusive time in museum exhibits with your favorite adult beverages, grab a bite to eat from local food trucks, soak up some knowledge with special presentations, plus much more.

Uncover the truth National Traveling Exhibit opens Saturday, Jan. 19 Slink through the shadows of mystery! Search exotic locales around the world to gather intelligence on a group of suspects, and build a case to determine the likely culprit. Control hidden cameras, sight-see with spy satellites, peer through the dark with night vision, crack codes, navigate a laser maze and much more! Top Secret: License to Spy is created by SciTech, produced by Imagine Exhibitions.

Check out the future scientists and engineers!

Take a look at student projects at the 9th annual Wichita Regional Science and Engineering Fair Friday, Feb. 15, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Live and let die...by chocolate

Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019 Indulge in delicious delights for STEM Education at Exploration Place's only fundraiser of the year. Treat your senses with unlimited sweets, savory food and drinks from area restaurants, chefs and vendors. Plus:

• Dance the night away with music by Annie Up.
• Sneak through the national traveling exhibit Top Secret: Licence to Spy and all our other exhibits.
• Bid on silent auction items.
• Party like a Choc-Star!

Uncover the truth

National Traveling Exhibit opens Saturday, Jan. 19 Slink through the shadows of mystery! Search exotic locales around the world to gather intelligence on a group of suspects, and build a case to determine the likely culprit. Control hidden cameras, sight-see with spy satellites, peer through the dark with night vision, crack codes, navigate a laser maze and much more! Top Secret: License to Spy is created by SciTech, produced by Imagine Exhibitions. 

In a world where most movie screens are confined by walls, one screen IS a wall! Make a cinematic splash during our FREE outdoor film series and experience a film projected on our building, near the main entrance! Before the film, enjoy fun free out door activities, grab a bite from local food trucks and explore the museum's exhibits at discounted prices. Movies will begin after sundown. Limited seating is available, first come, first served. Bring your own blanket or lawn chair. 2019 dates May 10 May 17 May 24

Prices

Movie and outdoor activities Free Discounted indoor exhibit admission (6:30 - 8:30 p.m.) Members: Free Nonmembers (2 years and up): $5

Prepare for lift-off

CAPCOM GO! The Apollo Story Digital Dome Theater and Planetarium FREE members' night Friday, June 14, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Already a member? Join the exclusive Exploration Place Members Facebook group.  

Travel to the moon and back

Opens Saturday, June 15 3, 2, 1...blast off with the achievements of NASA's Apollo program. Discover the immense challenges that had to be overcome to put the first human on the moon. Strategize with rocket designers, build with engineers, suit up with Apollo's space explorers, and dream of the future. For showtimes, click here.

Saturday, June 29, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Shift into gear and get behind the wheel of fire trucks, police cars, construction and military vehicles, plus much more. Included with general museum admission free for members.

Enjoy $2.98 admission to all exhibits, including the National Traveling Exhibit, The Science of Ripley’s Believe It or Not^® and ONE dome theater film admission. See the all-new film, CAPCOM GO! The Apollo Story.

Sip some science

Adult event series 5:30 to 9 p.m. Enjoy exclusive time in museum exhibits with your favorite adult beverages, grab a bite to eat from local food trucks, soak up some knowledge with special presentations, plus much more.

Saturday, July 20, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Blast off with exciting activities, a special dome theater film, dancing the solar system with Ballet Wichita, fun Explore Store merchandise and more. It's all in celebration of NASA's Apollo moon missions and the 50th anniversary of the amazing scientific achievement of the first moon walk. Included with general museum admission free for members.

Catapult into the newly rejuvenated Where Kids Rule exhibit. Forge through exciting, hands-on activities, regale at medieval demonstrations and music. Plus:

• Launch mini catapults.
• Cut to the chase with ax presentations.
• Gain some pointers in the fencing arena.
• Ink it up with henna face painting.
• And much more.

Included with general museum admission free for members.

Drive your curiosity into the unknown through remarkable realms and scientific discoveries. Come face-to-face with some of the world's largest organisms. And watch out for some of the smallest invaders!  Shed light on the unexplained. Conquer challenges, study specimens, and examine real artifacts. Plus:

• Crawl through a life-size model of the gigantic prehistoric snake, Titanoboa.
• Measure up against the world's tallest man, Robert Wadlow.
• Pinpoint sculptures so small they fit in the eye of a needle.
• Slice through the secrets of sword swallowing.
• Bend your senses with an array of illusions.
• And much more!

The Science of Ripley's Believe It or Not!^® is produced by Science North, in partnership with Ripley Entertainment Inc.

Immerse yourself in Hispanic culture and heritage with crafts, games, food, music, dance and more. Radio Partner: Radio Lobo 106.5

Immerse yourself in extreme weather conditions. Fly through a hurricane, swirl along a tornadoes’ path, track turbulent cloud formations, map lightning strikes, and stand in the midst of a raging winter storm! Plus, go behind-the-scenes with meteorologists, simmer in sizzling heatwaves, chill out in plummeting temperatures and much more. Included in general museum admission, free for members. Wild Weather is produced by Science North.

Sip some science

Adult event series, 5:30 - 9 p.m. Kick off the Halloween season with an 80s blow out! Take part in radical activities, slash through dynamic exhibits, and play fun games. Taste totally awesome drinks from Xclusive Events, plus enjoy local food trucks, live music and much more.

Scare up some ghostly fun with activities for the whole family. Wear your favorite Halloween costume and more.

In "Lab Girl," Hope Jahren shares some of her joys and challenges as a woman scientist. This panel discussion is your chance to learn more from local women scientists and engineers about their experiences working in this field. Topics to be discussed include funding of science research, work-life balance, the contributions of women to science, and much more. Panelists include: Dr. Moriah Beck, Associate Professor in the chemistry department at Wichita State University and coordinator of “Expanding Your Horizons” STEM program for teen girls; Jessica Mounts, Exec. Director of Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams; Sarah Unruh, Engineer at PEC (Professional Engineering Consultants); Cindy Hoover, Vice President at Spirit AeroSystems and President of the Wichita Chapter of Society of Women Engineers; and Dr. Kristin Michel, Associate Professor in Vector Biology at Kansas State University. Laurel Zhang, Director of Education at Exploration Place, will facilitate the panel discussion. Q&A will follow the panel discussion. The panel discussion is free. For those who bring their Lab Girl book, museum admission will be discounted by $2 (per person for up to four people in the group). Sunday, November 3 2:30-4 p.m. Exploration Place, 300 N. McLean Blvd. Find out more about the NEA Big Read: Wichita here.

Make and take home your own gingerbread house. Plus, enjoy houses created by Butler Community College School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts students and holiday tunes by The Noteables and Smorgaschords quartet from the college.

Make and take home your own gingerbread house. Plus, enjoy houses created by Butler Community College School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts students and holiday tunes by The Noteables and Smorgaschords quartet from the college.

Start your holiday shopping early! Members, get 20% off purchases. If you’re not a member, you still get 10% off. No admission needed to shop the store.  

Kansas in Miniature Holiday Show Saturday, Nov. 30 - Tuesday, Dec. 31 Soak up the sights and sounds of the holiday season as this popular exhibit is decked out for a 1950s holiday, complete with a Christmas parade and nostalgic music.

Immerse yourself with the psychedelic sights and sounds of Pink Floyd. Rock to the vivid images depicting this iconic band's music from three Pink Floyd Cosmic Light Shows: Dark Side of the Moon, The Wall and Wish You Were Here.

Tell Kris Kringle himself what you want for Christmas. In the Main Lobby. Free admission.

Immerse yourself with the psychedelic sights and sounds of Pink Floyd. Rock to the vivid images depicting this iconic band's music from three Pink Floyd Cosmic Light Shows: Dark Side of the Moon, The Wall and Wish You Were Here.

Kansas in Miniature Holiday Show Saturday, Nov. 30 - Tuesday, Dec. 31 Soak up the sights and sounds of the holiday season as this popular exhibit is decked out for a 1950s holiday, complete with a Christmas parade and nostalgic music.

Immerse yourself in extreme weather conditions. Fly through a hurricane, swirl along a tornadoes’ path, track turbulent cloud formations, map lightning strikes, and stand in the midst of a raging winter storm! Plus, go behind-the-scenes with meteorologists, simmer in sizzling heatwaves, chill out in plummeting temperatures and much more. Included in general museum admission, free for members. Wild Weather is produced by Science North.

Do the Dome

12:00 p.m. Great Bear Rainforest 1:00 p.m.  Great Bear Rainforest The dome theater is the largest in the state – with a soaring 60-foot tall screen, an immersive 360 degree view, and booming 5.1 surround sound. It’s an exceptional experience! And you do not have to pay museum admission to do the dome – only $5 or less per ticket! Times are subject to change without notice. Please call 316-660-0600 to confirm.

Do the Dome

11:00 a.m. Chirpie's Magical Sky 12:00 p.m. Great Bear Rainforest 1:00 p.m.  Great Bear Rainforest 2:00 p.m.   Great Bear Rainforest 3:00 p.m.   Great Bear Rainforest 4:00 p.m.   Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon The dome theater is the largest in the state – with a soaring 60-foot tall screen, an immersive 360 degree view, and booming 5.1 surround sound. It’s an exceptional experience! And you do not have to pay museum admission to do the dome – only $5 or less per ticket! Times are subject to change without notice. Please call 316-660-0600 to confirm.

Do the Dome

1:00 p.m.  Great Bear Rainforest 2:00 p.m.  Great Bear Rainforest 3:00 p.m.  Great Bear Rainforest 4:00 p.m.  Great Bear Rainforest The dome theater is the largest in the state – with a soaring 60-foot tall screen, an immersive 360 degree view, and booming 5.1 surround sound. It’s an exceptional experience! And you do not have to pay museum admission to do the dome – only $5 or less per ticket! Times are subject to change without notice. Please call 316-660-0600 to confirm.

Dream big!

National Traveling Exhibit Opens Saturday, Feb. 1 Encounter the collision of two worlds − science and art − to spark curiosity, creation and innovation. Dare to design new objects using everyday items. Get your gears turning as you craft kinetic sculptures. Tell tales with your heartbeat, direct stop-motion animation scenes, stretch your wings and fly, plus much more. Imaginate is produced by Ontario Science Centre

Do the Dome

12:00 p.m. Great Bear Rainforest 1:00 p.m.  Great Bear Rainforest The dome theater is the largest in the state – with a soaring 60-foot tall screen, an immersive 360 degree view, and booming 5.1 surround sound. It’s an exceptional experience! And you do not have to pay museum admission to do the dome – only $5 or less per ticket! Times are subject to change without notice. Please call 316-660-0600 to confirm.

Check out the future scientists and engineers!

Take a look at student projects at the 10th annual Wichita Regional Science and Engineering Fair Friday, Feb. 21, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Free admission.

Indulge in delicious delights for STEM Education at our only fundraiser of the year. Treat your senses with unlimited sweets, savory food and drinks from area restaurants, chefs and vendors. Note: Exploration Place will be closed, Saturday, Feb. 29 to prepare for Death by Chocolate.

Do the Dome

11:00 a.m. Chirpie's Magical Sky 12:00 p.m. Great Bear Rainforest 1:00 p.m.  Great Bear Rainforest 2:00 p.m.   Great Bear Rainforest 3:00 p.m.   Great Bear Rainforest 4:00 p.m.   Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon The dome theater is the largest in the state – with a soaring 60-foot tall screen, an immersive 360 degree view, and booming 5.1 surround sound. It’s an exceptional experience! And you do not have to pay museum admission to do the dome – only $5 or less per ticket! Times are subject to change without notice. Please call 316-660-0600 to confirm.

Bridging Art and Science: Women in Science Opens Saturday, March 14 Get inspired as you encounter this poster gallery featuring groundbreaking women scientists and their contributions to STEM. This gallery was created by the League of Women Voters Wichita-Metro Bridging Art and Science is a linear exhibit space located on Exploration Place’s indoor bridge, and features local artist pieces that illustrate the intermingling of art and science. Included with general museum admission, free for members.

Exploration Place is re-opening July 1st for Members-only. Exploration Place will re-open to the public on July 4. See Members page for details and guidelines.

Exploration Place will re-open to the public on July 4. Members-only days will be July 1 - 3. See Reopening FAQs for details and guidelines.

No additional details for this event.

No additional details for this event.

No additional details for this event.