Explore with Kids: OJ Watson Park | Wichita, KS

OJ Watson Park | Wichita, KS

OJ Watson Park is a family favorite park in Wichita – we are truly lucky to have this local gem. It is one of the largest parks in Wichita, covering over 119 acres, with playgrounds and great activities for families. 

Location:

3022 S McLean Blvd, 67217 South Wichita, KS

Hours: 

Spring – Early Fall 
Daily: 8am-10pm

Late Fall (October)
Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm

Winter 
Daily: 8am-4pm

Cost:

Free to enter the park. However, some of the activities and amenities charge a fee. See prices below. 

New this year! All ride tickets are digital and can be purchased in advance so you never have to wait in line to buy tickets again. CLICK HERE to purchase.

Things To Do: 

Playgrounds

Cost: Free | The northeast playground is boundless with rubber-in-place safety surface and the west playground has regular sand. 

Pony Rides

Cost: $4/person | See special hours here. With 9 ponies to choose from, see which pony fits your child’s personality best. Riders must be under the age of 10, weigh less than 60 pounds, and be able to hold onto a saddle by themselves. 

Mini Golf

Cost: $4/person | Watson Park has a newly renovated, lighted, 18-hole mini golf course is for kiddos ages 6 and up. 

Pedal Boats

Cost: $4/30 minutes | Each pedal boat can hold up to 3 adults and 2 children or four adults. 

Train Rides

Cost: $4/person | Take a family ride around the Watson Park on the mini choo-choo train. All ages welcome (each person needs a ticket). 

In the fall register for Watson’s Christmas Express during the holidays. Families ride the Watson train to the North Pole, make s’mores by campfire, drink hot cocoa, and enjoy a visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus!

Fishing

Cost: KS State Fishing License (register for fishing license here) | Watson Park has a two fishing lakes with bass, catfish, crappie, grass carp, and more. *Bait can be purchased at the concession shop. 

Kayaking

Enjoy kayaking at Watson Park, we offer single and tandem kayaks. New to the park is a self-service kayak station that guests can rent through an app during park hours. To rent a kayak you must be 12+ older, children younger can ride with an adult in a tandem kayak. Guests of the park are welcome to bring their own kayaks but are required to check in at the clubhouse.

Kayak $10/hour, tandem $20/hour, self-service $10/hour

Picnics & Parties

While at Watson Park enjoy a family picnic. You bring the blanket and let Watson Park provide the yummy food. Our concession menu has great options including cheeseburgers, hot dogs, nachos, pretzels and more! (List of food is available on this page along with a fun map of the park: About Watson Park (wichita.gov)) 

Rent one of the five outdoor shelters for a party, reunion or get-together and include a bouncy house! The new Seasons Venue is a great option if you’d like to have a party indoors. 

Be sure to check out our Explore With Kids Series!