Visit Wichita: Finding Autism-Friendly Activities In Wichita

Press release from Visit Wichita:

2022-03-15

For many parents, coming up with family vacation ideas is fun and exciting. Yet for families traveling with someone on the autism spectrum, planning autism-friendly getaways can also be daunting and riddled with anxiety.

Fortunately, destinations are better prepared to help families with autistic children today than ever before. While Wichita is the largest city in Kansas, it remains easy to navigate, has ample parking, wide open spaces and many other attributes that make it attractive to families traveling with autistic children. Plus, there are many attractions that are autism friendly.

Here are a few places and activities to put on your list if you are planning to visit Wichita.

Open air and free admission make this nature center a great place for families with an autistic child. Even if things don’t go as planned and you have to leave shortly after arrival, it’s free so you can come and go to fit your needs. The indoor museum features animals of the plains and an aquarium. Bring a quarter for turtle food before heading out to the wildlife trails at Chisholm Creek Park, which is just outside the doors of the museum.

Other museums and attractions with free admission include the Wichita Art Museum on Saturdays, Wichita-Sedgwick Co. Historical Museum and Old Cowtown Museum on Sundays, CityArts, Mark Arts, The Original Pizza Hut Museum, Ulrich Museum of Art and the Great Plains Transportation Museum.

Want to avoid crowds and get some fresh air? Outdoor activities children on the spectrum may enjoy going on a hunt for murals, exploring parks and outdoor areas like Pawnee Prairie Park and experiencing the Keeper of the Plains Plaza. Enjoy a variety of activities with little to no wait time at O.J. Watson Park. There are paddle boats, a train ride, a playground and a mini golf course.

As the largest and newest public library facility in Wichita, the Advanced Learning Library is a great resource and place to find quiet, cozy nooks. Plus, they recently opened a STEAM Learning Garden. It features interactive play stations that promote learning skills related to science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics.

Autism families know all too well the challenges of dining. Not only does Stearman Field Bar & Grill have ample space to enjoy a meal on their indoor/outdoor patio, they also have a playground nearby for children of all abilities to burn off some energy. And don’t forget the planes that are likely to be taking off and landing just feet from the patio! Stearman is located just northeast of the city, so be prepared for a short drive to get there from the city.

If your autistic child has a specific interest, check out our list of museums by topic:

Because every family and child is unique, check out even more ideas of things to do and options for dining to find just the right fit to make your visit to the heart of the country a memorable one.

This press release was produced by Visit Wichita. The views expressed here are the author’s own.