April showers bring spring flowers…or if you live in Kansas, then hopefully by the end of March! We love the simple things in life, and so do our little ones. One of our favorite activities with kids is to take them outside in nature, and the Wichita Area has so many great spots to do just that. From manicured gardens with rows of stunning tulips to natural wildflowers in Kansas fields, we are sharing the 5 best places to enjoy spring flowers in bloom.
5 Best Places to Enjoy Spring Flowers in Bloom in Wichita
Botanica the Wichita Gardens | Riverside
701 Amidon St. | In addition to 17 acres of beautiful spring flowers, Botanica has so many areas great for kids – the Downing Children’s Garden, Koch Carousel Gardens, Butterfly Garden, Koi Pond, Woodland Walk, and weekly story times.
And of course you do not want to miss the Tulip Festival in April and one of our other favorites – Symphony in the Gardens!
Great Plains Nature Center | Chisholm Creek Park
6232 East 29th St N #2200 | Great Plains Nature Center is a wonderful place to take your kiddo to investigate, understand and develop an appreciation for wildlife and the environment! A combination of the indoor facility and outdoor Wichita Wild Habitat Area there is so much to explore and fascinate your child.
Hours:
Indoors: 9am-5pm, Monday-Saturday
Outdoors: Dawn to dusk
Cost:
Free to enter Great Plains Nature Center and Chisholm Creek Park
Here is a map of Chisholm Creek Park. It is one of the largest parks in Wichita and features the Great Plains habitat types. Within its 282 acres are 2 1/2 miles of paved trails that cross native and restored prairies, wetlands, ponds, and woodlands. And you will spot wildflowers along the way, depending on the season!
Pawnee Prairie Park
2625 S. Tyler Rd. | Pawnee Prairie Park in southwest Wichita, located next to Eisenhower National Airport is over 400 acres of natural park land with trails for hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians.
There are dedicated paths and trails for horseback riders and bike riders, while hikers are free to roam and explore! The park is home to a variety of mammals such as deer, foxes, beavers, muskrats, raccoons, and opossums as well as over 100 species of birds.
Do not miss the butterfly garden and playground!
Wichita State University Campus
Barlett Arboretum | Belle Plaine, KS
301 N Line St, Belle Plaine, KS 67013 | Grand opening is March 24, 2024 for the season, and you do not want to miss their Art at the Arb tulip festival in April!
March 24 – April 28
Tuesday thru Sunday: 9am – 5pm
Thursdays: 9am – 7pm
Closed Mondays.
In May and June, weekend hours only.
Saturday and Sunday 9am-5pm.
Month of July is closed and the gardens reopen in August.
Admission: $10 per person, kids free if under wing
