Exploration Place is opening its new Adventure Playscape, a 6.5-acre outdoor attraction on its riverfront campus designed to draw families from across the Midwest.
The playscape features 10 themed environments inspired by Kansas’ landscape, heritage and identity.
The project is part of a growing national trend known as “destination play,” where communities invest in large-scale outdoor environments aimed at serving both local families and regional tourism.
“We decided to compete with the best destination play environments anywhere in the world — not to build something good enough for Wichita, but something good enough for anywhere,” said Adam Smith, president and CEO of Exploration Place.
Unlike a traditional playground, the Adventure Playscape blends play equipment into a living landscape. The attraction includes what is believed to be the first aviation-themed playground of its size and one of the largest educational water play areas in the United States.
The grounds feature more than 40,000 plants highlighting native Kansas grasses and species, along with 500 tons of Kansas limestone and 250 newly planted trees intended to provide shade as the landscape matures.
Planning for the playscape took place during a historic drought in Wichita from January 2023 through September 2025. Despite adding water play features, officials say the facility will reduce its overall city water use through more efficient irrigation and improved stormwater management.
Accessibility was a major focus during the design process. Exploration Place worked with a specialist consultant to ensure the environments can be enjoyed by visitors with a wide range of needs, including wheelchair access and accommodations for children who may experience busy environments differently. A sensory garden was also included to provide a quieter space within the playscape.
The attraction is designed to remain open into the evening, with extended hours until 8 p.m. during Spring Break and throughout the summer.
Admission to the Adventure Playscape is included with general admission to Exploration Place, Kansas’ premier science center. The museum, which opened in 2000, welcomes about 400,000 visitors each year and is typically open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with extended hours until 8 p.m. on Thursdays.
