Wichita is not short on green space or playgrounds, and I hope your family has a nearby park or neighborhood school with an awesome playground you visit regularly! Every once in a while you need to mix it up though, and for those times I’m here to suggest some extra special playgrounds that will increase the entertainment factor exponentially. These aren’t you’re average playgrounds; they each have something unique that make them loads of fun and perfect for an adventure outside of your normal neighborhood park.
Wichita-Area Playgrounds Worth Going Out of Your Way to Visit
13th Street Sports Park | Andover, KS
This brand new park opened in Summer 2024! With a great playground and new splash pad, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Location:
1008 E. 13th St.
Andover, KS 67002
Castle Park Playground & Splash Pad
2923 Ohio St #2829, Augusta, KS 67010
The wait is finally over! Renovations to Robert Shryock Park in Augusta, KS – home of the Castle Park Playground & Splash Pad – are finally complete. The park is now open to the public!
Exploration Park
300 North McClean Boulevard Wichita, KS 67203
Currently closed for construction & set to reopen in Fall 2025.
Dalton Palmer Park
612 State Street Augusta, KS 67010
It’s the tallest play structure in the state of Kansas! Located in Augusta, KS, Dalton Palmer Park (or the “Ninja Park” as my girls refer to it). Boasting the title of tallest manufactured playground in Kansas, this park has tunnel slides, large towers, challenging climbing activities, and a one-of-a-kind gravity swing (such a hit every time we visit). The rubber surface is great for kids, but I would say this park leans more toward kids ages 5 and up.
Island Park Playground
200 North Main Winfield, KS 67156
Come to Island Park for creative play at a playground like none other. It is beloved by locals and visitors who love to play on the farm, in the castle, or with the sprawling classic playground activities. Walking paths and ducks galore finish off an ideal park experience worth the drive.
Madison Avenue Central Park
512 East Madison Avenue Derby, KS 67037
Your littles will beg to revisit this cheery playground. This little park is packed with slides, bridges and things to climb and explore. The artificial turf and wildlife themed mural will brighten any day. Parents will feel serious 90s nostalgia when they take a turn (or five) down the Discovery Zone style roller slide, but their adult selves will appreciate the ample shade.
O.J. Watson Park
3022 S. McLean Boulevard Wichita, KS 67217
This south Wichita treasure features nearly 120 acres of green space including three separate play ground structures. But, it’s all the extras that take this park to the next level. Pony rides, a miniature train, paddle boats, fishing, a yellow brick road, and mini golf are all on site for a fun (and budget friendly day of family fun.
Pawnee Prairie Park
2625 S. Tyler Wichita KS 67209
There are two entrances, the East Entrance by Tyler street, where there is a designated parking lot to handle horse trailers, with watering stations for the horses. There is also a bicycle repair station, drinking fountain, and restrooms. The West Entrance is on Pawnee St and features a small kids’ playground, a picnic shelter, a drinking fountain, and restroom facilities. Dogs are allowed on a leash, and there are pet drinking bowls on both water fountains.
The zip line is always a hit!
Sedgwick County Park Boundless Playground
6501 West 21st Street North Wichita, KS 67212
Kids love all the activities at the Boundless Playground. There are activities, ramps, swings, sand, and slides galore for children of all ages to enjoy.
Open structures and bike structures throughout the park extend the fun.
Have you visited all of these extraordinary parks? Do you have an extra-special playground that your family loves to frequent?
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I love the concept of the park in Derby, we’ve been once. But, I don’t like the fact that there are no gates at the entrances/exits. Especially at the slide, it’s too easy for little ones to run out towards the parking lot.