6 Favorite Drivable Weekend Getaways From Wichita with Kids

These are consistently suggested in the Wichita Mom neighborhood groups, are highly recommended by our team, and would be great spots for Spring Break or anytime of year as all have special activities for families depending on the season. 

6 Favorite Drivable Weekend Getaways with Kids


Drivable Weekend Getaways from Wichita - Big Cedar Lodge

Big Cedar Lodge

Driving Time from Wichita: Approximately 4 hours, 45 minutes

Dubbed as a “wilderness resort” this premier outdoorsy retreat is in the heart of the Ozarks and offers top notch outdoor activities for families. The resort itself has multiple heated pools, mini golf, family events (like outdoor movies and campfires), nature excursions and more. There is so much to do in the surrounding area: Table Rock Lake, Dogwood Canyon, Fun Mountain (go carts, arcades, ropes courses, etc.), Top of the Rock, Wonders of Wildlife, and so much more. 

Must Do: An absolute must is to splurge on a Top of the Rock golf cart ride –  a 2.5 mile loop on a golf cart overlooking waterfalls and the best views of Table Rock Lake. We promise it’s worth it.


Branson Butterfly Palace

Branson

Driving Time from Wichita: Approximately 4.5 hours

In the same area as Big Cedar (so you could make it a week-long trip), Branson is known to many as a top family destination vacation and is a great year-round option for a family weekend getaway. Families rave about the Butterfly Palace – where you can walk among thousands of exotic butterflies, Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction, Branson Landing (downtown shopping and attractions), and of course Silver Dollar City. 

Must Do: When in Branson, you have to see a show! And we highly highly recommend the Springfield Wonders of Wildlife Aquarium if you can squeeze it in (about a 45 minute drive from Branson).


Weekend Getaways from Wichita OKCOklahoma City

Driving Time from Wichita: Approximately 2.5 hours

It is no secret that Oklahoma City is a nearby gem. There is so much to do for families! In fact, we’ve written about all there is to do in this Weekend Getaway Guide to OKC and this Weekend Itinerary in OKC. Between Scissortail Park, the Myriad Gardens, the OKC Zoo (seriously, it is a treasure!), Bricktown, and the Science Museum – you are bound to have a family fun jam-packed weekend. 

Must Do: We love the splash pads at Myriad Gardens and Scissortail Park (which also has a KidZone at the Children’s Playground and paddle boating).


Kansas City Science City

Kansas City:

Driving Time from Wichita: Approximately 2.5-3 hours

Of course one of our favorite drivable weekend getaways is our neighbor, KC! Family friendly favorites in Kansas City include: Legoland, Science City, Ice Skating at Crown Plaza (in the winter only as it’s outdoors), Union Station (so fun during the holidays), Great Wolf Lodge (day pass or stay for the weekend!), and Kaleidoscope in Crown Center. Of course there is great shopping in the area too. 

Must Do: Fritz’s for lunch (where you order by telephone and your food is brought by an overhead train) and Bucca di Beppo on the Plaza for dinner. If you go during the holidays, there is nothing quite like the Plaza lights.


Weekend Trip Eureka Springs

Eureka Springs

Driving Time from Wichita: Approximately 4 hours, 45 minutes 

Eureka Springs makes the list nearly every time someone asks about drivable weekend getaways in the Wichita Mom groups. In the heart of the Ozarks, this unique getaway has a quaint downtown with one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants arts and culture. It is a great spot to enjoy the outdoors with “some of the best mountain biking in Mid-America”, beautiful parks, trails, nearby Beaver Lake, and so many outdoor activities.  

Must Do: We hear staying in a treehouse cottage is pretty cool (though the ones we could find were for adults only) and visiting the Thorncrown Chapel is a must-see and visiting Onyx Cave is a must-do.


Weekend Getaways from Wichita TulsaTulsa

Driving Time from Wichita: Approximately 2.5 hours

If you have not made it to Tulsa simply to spend the day at The Gathering Place – we think it alone is worth the drive. With over 100 acres of riverfront landscape, attractions, and playground equipment – all completely free for families. Other parks to visit in the Tulsa Area are Keystone Ancient Forest (great for a hike for ages 5+ in Sand Springs area), Woodward Park, and Riverparks (in Uptown area). We have also heard great things about the Tulsa Zoo and Tulsa Children’s Museum Discovery Lab.

Must Do: As mentioned above, if you are in the Tulsa area, The Gathering Place is a must when considering drivable weekend getaways. There is something for all ages! *We recommend showing up right when the park opens to beat the crowds.


If you liked these ideas, be sure to check out:

Best Kid-Friendly Day Trips from Wichita

Angela Green
Angela is the founder of Wichita Mom, the premier parenting website and digital guide for families as they navigate life in Wichita, KS. She is a wife, business owner, avid reader, proud gymnastics & dance mom, Peloton lover, and is always planning her next trip.