I never sought out Kansas sunrises – heck who wants to get up that early? But now I know they are quite beautiful because I have the chance to see the sun come up every day. That’s right, every morning between 4:45 and 5:30 I wake up hearing mamma, mamma, mamma.
My guy is an early riser, earlier than most kids I know. I’ve tried to change this to no avail, but that’s another post at another time.
What I’ve finally done is accepted that this is how it is and I’m learning to make the best of it. The best time of year to embrace early mornings is the summer, when you can get outside before it gets too hot.
Since we have work, daycare and other scheduled outings during the week, we do our early morning exploring every Saturday. We’re usually out the door by 6:30, giving daddy a chance to sleep in. I also use it as an excuse to get myself a treat and some coffee!
Here are some of our favorite early morning spots around town ::
Breakfast:
Donut Whole: Sometimes they are making the donuts and you can watch. Otherwise, my toddler eats his treats while playing on the stage under a giant painted tiger.
Chick Fil A: It’s empty at this hour, so we eat breakfast and then he enjoys having the play area all to himself.
Dunkin Donuts: It’s open early and an quick stop for a donut and coffee.
Elderslie Farm: The Bramble Day Cafe in Valley Center is open May-July on Monday-Friday, 7am-11am and from 7am – noon on Saturdays. This is a great place to grab a homemade breakfast and let the kiddos run around the farm.
YMCA open swim: Most weekends the indoor pool opens at 6:30 a.m., but double check your branch.
Great Plains Nature Center: Early mornings are a great time to see wildlife, we often have deer walk right past us.
Visit Area Parks: Every park may have a different open time, but it’s a chance for the kiddos to run around before it’s 100 degrees! Here are some of WMB’s Favorite Parks in Wichita.
Fun for kids and adults:
Farmers Markets: We often go to Old Town but intend to visit the Kansas Grown Farmers Market at 21st and Ridge this year. Both markets open at 7 a.m. If you’re looking for how to navigate, check out our Guide to Wichita Farmers Markets.
Cheer on local races: There’s a run almost every weekend in Wichita. They start early and give you and your kiddo a chance to walk around and enjoy the activities. Click here for a calendar of local races.
Family and friend visits: We’re lucky to have some good friends who don’t mind visitors in the morning. We usually stop by at the end of our morning outing, around 8 or 8:30. It always helps to bring goodies from your breakfast stop or the farmers market!