6 Senior Friendly Things To Do in Wichita

6 Senior Friendly Things To Do in Wichita

Things To Do in Wichita

Are you catching yourself daydreaming about the exciting life you'll be living once you retire Don't worry because you are not alone! Many older adults, especially those on the cusp of retirement, find themselves eager to start the next chapter of their life, and for good reasons! Retiring means you get to have a bunch of newfound free time on your hands, ready to be spent on meaningful excursions and fun activities. Of course, you need to be practical in choosing where to travel and spend most of your retired days to not finish off all the eggs in your nest. You need a place where you can enjoy the weather and environment, meet friendly people, engage in your beloved hobbies, and visit famous places you've never been to. Fortunately, we have one place in mind that ticks all these boxes--Wichita, Kansas! Here are six of the most exciting and senior-friendly things to do in Wichita.  

1. Be One With Nature

Wichita may be the largest city in Kansas but do not let that fool you. Despite its bustling metropolitan area, most of the citys neighborhood offers a suburban-like feel that will quickly make you feel at home. Many of its residential areas provide great views of the river and dense trees where you can bike, jog, and walk while enjoying the airy atmosphere. The place also has its fair share of nature parks, wildlife, and botanical gardens you can visit if you want to spend your afternoons with nature. Some of these places include:

  • Sedgwick County Zoo, where you can meet pink flamingos, elephants, and several exotic bird species.
  • Botanica: The Wichita Gardens, where you can walk along paths lined on the side by beautiful flowers and plants.
  • Arkansas River Trail and Great Plains Nature Center

2. Fly Into the World of Aviation

Wichita, also named Air Capital of the World, was called as such due to the large presence of aircraft and aeronautical manufacturing companies during the 1920s. But up until now, the city still houses the majority of the country's aircraft industry. So if you are an aviation enthusiast or just someone who appreciates historic preservation, then visiting the Kansas Aviation Museum should be included in your things to do in Wichita list! The museum holds plenty of historical aircraft and engines used decades ago and records, books, and aviation history photos. They even house valuable collections and diligently restored planes like the 1927 Shallow.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Allen House in Wichita, Kansas

Photo courtesy of Frank Lloyd Wright's Allen House (@flwrightwichita)]

3. Savor the Art and Culture

Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly activity or one that's good for the whole family, then you are in the right place. Wichita has plenty of historical, art, and science museums perfect for seniors who want to spend their leisure afternoons walking through history and culture. Some of the best places to visit include:

  • Old Cowtown Museum to relive the 19th century Wichita
  • The Museum of World Treasures
  • The Exploration Place, perfect for your grandkids
  • Wichita Art Museum
  • Frank Lloyd Wright's Allen House
  • Wichita Sedgewick County Historical Museum
  • Pizza Hut Museum
  • Great Plains Transportation Museum

4. Fun and Entertainment

For the young at heart who loves indoor and outdoor fun and adventure, then you won't be disappointed in Wichita! The city has a lot in store for seniors who enjoy fun arcades, bowling nights, and heart-pumping adventures. For starters, you can visit the Bliss Climbing and Fitness Complex for a thrilling wall climbing session. Or spend the afternoon in sweat and laughter at Chicken N Pickle playing bocce and table tennis. Enjoy arcade games, VR technology, and even the exhilarating escape rooms in The Alley Indoor Entertainment, All-Star Adventures, and Sport, or Dave and Busters. You can also enjoy the beautiful morning sun with these outdoor activities, which you can enjoy with your family and loved ones.

  • Rock River Rapids and Splash Aqua Park
  • Field Station: Dinosaur Theme Park
  • Bike through the Keeper of the Plains and wait for the famous Ring of Light
  • Stearman Fried and Grill and see the planes take off and land while eating your handcrafted grilled burger.
  • Play a round of golf at any of the five golf courses in the city

Inside Orpheum Theatre in Wichita, Kansas Photo by Alan Blakely Architectural Photography

5. Watch Musicals and Theater Performances

If you have a penchant for the performing arts and adoration for talented performers, then you must include this in the list of things to do in Wichita. There is no shortage of broadway and operatic performances in the city of Wichita. Enjoy a sophisticated night of good music and live acts in:

  • Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center to watch the Wichita Symphony Orchestra perform
  • Crown Uptown Theater
  • Roxy's Downtown Theater
  • Music Theater Wichita

You can also visit the first atmospheric theater in the country--the timeless Orpheum Theater! With the establishment's classical style and 1930-esque look, you'll be hit by the nostalgia of your good ole days. The theater hosts a variety of performances from comedy acts to movies and musical performances. You can also book a tour inside the theater to admire its architectural beauty.  

6. Shopping and Food Galore

What's traveling without visiting shopping centers and buying from unique local shops. Then top it all off with a food trip to the best cuisine and diners in the city! Wichita is packed with retail stores, boutiques, indoor and outdoor malls to cater to your wants and needs. Here are some of the shopping places you should visit during your time in the city.

  • Bradley Fair Shopping Center
  • NewMarket Square
  • Towne East and Towne West Squares
  • Clifton Square
  • Historic Delano District
  • Paramount Antique Mall to score some unique bargain finds

After your tiring shopping spree, head to the best restaurants in Downtown and the Northeast regions to satisfy your hunger. You can taste some of the local favorites like The Monarch, Chester's Chophouse and Wine Bar, and the Public, which is found in the heart of Oldtown. You can also try their cultural restaurants such as Kobe's Steakhouse of Japan, Sabor Latin Bar and Grill, Doo-dah Diner, Abuelo's Mexican Restaurant, and Cafe Bel Ami.

  • Kansas, Senior Activities,
  • November 10, 2020
  • By Admin