Hands-on displays covering topics like dinosaurs, Kansas biodiversity, and aviation for all age groups.
Immersive light and laser shows with music, including popular artists like Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga.
Guided activities and workshops led by enthusiastic staff to inspire curiosity and learning.
Seasonal offerings such as drone shows, outdoor movie nights, and extended hours for family fun.
Facilities for birthday parties, school trips, and private events in clean, welcoming spaces.
Picnic areas with shaded tables along the riverbank, perfect for relaxing and enjoying packed lunches.

Where curiosity meets discovery—a premier science center and museum for all ages in Wichita!
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Exploration Place is a top-rated tourist attraction and interactive science center located on the scenic banks of the Arkansas River in Wichita, KS. With a 4.7/5 rating from thousands of reviews, it offers engaging exhibits ranging from dinosaurs and Kansas biodiversity to hands-on activities and dome light shows. Perfect for families, travelers, and locals, the facility features clean amenities, friendly staff, and diverse experiences like drone shows, movie nights, and educational displays. It's a must-visit destination for fun, learning, and exploration.
I recently visited Exploration Place with my granddaughter's birthday party and was blown away by the variety of exhibits they have to offer! From dinosaurs to other interactive areas, there's something for every age and interest. The facilities were spotless, including the rooms and bathrooms, which was a huge plus. But what really made our visit stand out was the staff - every single employee we interacted with was super friendly and welcoming. If you're looking for a fun and engaging destination, Exploration Place is definitely worth checking out!
The castle was our favorite spot! We also made it to a dome light show with Taylor Swift music and that was a big hit. Will plan for more time next time because we completely missed the airplane section. I would suggest bypassing the first room and revisiting it on your way out.
Exploration place is such a fun place in Wichita. The drone show was awesome and gets better every year. The movie nights are such a fun great family quality time in the cool outdoors. And inside the place various fun things for all ages
This was an amazing museum! We went all out and purchased the theater tickets as well. The Lady Gaga lazer show was way better than we imagined it would be! My kids had so much fun playing! We bought tickets on one of the days with extended hours and it got pretty quiet after 5pm. We loved it here and wish we lived closer so we could come back! There were plenty of picnic tables outside in the shade so we could eat the lunches we packed.
I visit and review museums all over the world and this place of exploration and discovery is truly one of the best I’ve ever seen. Their location alone on the bank of the Arkansas River is beautiful and well worth the photo op it provides during your visit. The diversity of interactions for people to see, the attention to detail in the collections and the enthusiasm shown, especially by the education staff, is truly inspiring. One of the most interesting, and probably overlooked by locals, is the “Welcome to Kansas” exhibit. Detailing the biodiversity of not only what is extant, but also endangered and now extinct. This exhibit incorporates the natural history of the area and the current state of industry focus with climate models for guests to interact with. Kiddos of all ages can spend their time easily in the collections all day and never be bored or lose their sense of wonder. If there was one thing I would add or change, it would be to offer a live animal static display/room and a daily ‘meet and greet’ with the public for a keeper to introduce local wildlife diversity. I feel this would go a long way to ensure the sustainability of species, especially given the amount of wildlife seen struck and deceased on public roads. I hear there is a $25M upgrade happening onsite to include amazing outdoor facilities and interactivity; perhaps the aforementioned idea might be included in that expansion. I highly recommend this unique museum and science center to travelers and locals alike. It is well worth your time and the nominal cost to visit. Rated 9.75/10 Recommend!! Enjoy the Intrigue and Education! ---J
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