6 Perfect Picnic Spots in Wichita

Picnicking is one of my favorite activities with my kiddos. It’s a mini adventure where they get to explore and eat at the same time. Two of their favorite things! Plus, it keeps my kitchen clean for even just a short while! Wichita has some great picnic areas around town. Here are some of our favorites.

Botanica

Not only is Botanica a beautiful place to explore and take in the flora, it’s also a great picnic spot. The terrace is a great spot to eat before venturing into the gardens, or check out the pavilion near the koi pond. After eating, visit the Downing Children’s Garden or grab a coffee and enjoy the children’s library.

Buffalo Park

Though west-siders know Buffalo Park best for its splash pad, this park boasts a lot more! Tennis courts, a large playground, and gazebos for picnicking. A bonus is the large field behind the park- perfect for kites or a Frisbee game!

Eastborough Park

Tucked away just behind Woodlawn and Kellogg is Eastborough Park. With its beautiful grounds, playground (with baby swings!) and covered patio, this is a ‘picture perfect’ place for a picnic. Go on a walk around the lake to burn off your post-picnic calories and let your kids explore the wildlife that lives within the grounds.

Exploration Place

Exploration Place may not seems like the best picnicking grounds, but when it is sweltering hot or freezing cold outside, this is the place to picnic! Explore the great exhibits or catch a movie in the Dome Theater and then enjoy your lunch in the cafeteria area. Outside food and drink are welcome, but there is also a place to buy food as well. On a nice day, there is a patio overlooking the Arkansas River, or your kids may enjoy picnicking while playing at Exploration Park, behind the building.

ICT Pop Up Park

In the heart of downtown Wichita, is a tiny concrete ‘park’ complete with local art and outdoor games. Pack your own lunch, or have fun sampling the culinary fare by Wichita food trucks that stop their daily. Check out the food truck schedule to find when your favorite food truck will be pulling in!

OJ Watson Park

If you’ve never experienced Watson park with your kids, go! A simple picnic could turn into a whole day of fun! The park is equipped with miniature train rides , pony rides, miniature golf, sand volleyball courts, a campfire circle, three playgrounds, and a lake for fishing and pedal boats.

Now grab your picnic basket, a blanket, and enjoy all that ICT picnic spots have to offer!


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Anne Gegen
Anne and her husband, Ryan, live in East Wichita with their two boys, born in 2014 and 2016, and their dog, Lola. She taught second grade for six years before deciding to stay home with her boys. Anne is involved with her church and an active member of Junior League of Wichita. A transplant from Kansas City, Anne enjoys exploring Wichita with her family, finding fun and different activities to keep her toddler engaged. She is continually on the lookout for new restaurants to try and is always up for a glass of wine with girlfriends!