Exploration Place | Wichita

Exploration Place – Wichita, Kansas

Exploration Place is Wichita’s premier science and discovery center, offering a hands-on, interactive environment designed to engage visitors of all ages in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) learning. Situated along the Arkansas River, the facility combines educational exhibits, interactive experiences, and live demonstrations, making it a dynamic destination for families, school groups, and curious adults. Since opening in 2000, it has become a cornerstone of Wichita’s cultural and educational landscape.

Architecture and Location

The building housing Exploration Place features modern, airy architecture with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide natural light and stunning views of the river. Its design emphasizes openness and accessibility, creating an inviting environment for exploration and discovery. Outdoor spaces adjacent to the facility include riverfront pathways, interactive installations, and areas for outdoor science experiments, integrating the museum with its natural surroundings.

Inside, spacious galleries, bright displays, and interactive stations encourage self-guided exploration, while signage and digital interfaces provide educational context. The layout is intuitive, allowing visitors to move fluidly from one themed area to another.

Exhibits and Interactive Experiences

Exploration Place is organized into multiple thematic zones, each focusing on different aspects of science, technology, and aviation-a nod to Wichita’s historical role as an aviation hub:

Kansas Aviation Discovery Center: Highlights Wichita’s role in aircraft manufacturing with interactive flight simulators, model planes, and exhibits on aerodynamics and aviation history. Visitors can experience the mechanics of flight and learn about local aviation pioneers.

Science and Technology Hall: Offers hands-on experiments in physics, chemistry, and engineering. Exhibits include interactive levers, pulleys, and circuits, allowing visitors to test principles of motion, electricity, and mechanics.

Early Childhood Discovery: Designed for younger visitors, this area emphasizes sensory exploration, water play, building blocks, and problem-solving activities in a safe, engaging environment.

STEM Labs and Makerspaces: These areas provide tools and materials for more advanced experimentation, including robotics, coding stations, and engineering challenges that encourage creativity and critical thinking.

Traveling Exhibits: Exploration Place regularly hosts temporary exhibits, bringing national and international science displays, immersive technology, and educational experiences to Wichita.

Education and Programs

Exploration Place is highly focused on educational programming, supporting both formal and informal learning:

School Field Trips: Tailored programs align with science curricula, allowing students to engage with hands-on experiments and interactive demonstrations.

Workshops and Camps: Seasonal STEM camps, weekend workshops, and special classes provide immersive learning experiences for children and teens.

Public Demonstrations: Live science demonstrations, planetarium shows, and interactive lectures encourage family engagement and curiosity.

Outreach and Community Engagement: The museum partners with local schools, libraries, and community organizations to extend science education beyond its walls.

Visitor Experience

Visitors to Exploration Place are immersed in a hands-on, exploratory environment where touching, testing, and experimenting are encouraged. Families often spend several hours moving from exhibits on flight mechanics to water physics and robotics. The museum’s interactive design makes learning playful and intuitive, with staff and volunteers available to guide experiments and provide explanations.

Cafés, gift shops, and lounge areas allow for rest and refreshment, and the outdoor riverfront area provides space for picnics, demonstrations, and seasonal events.

Visitor Information

Location: 300 North McLean Boulevard, Wichita, Kansas

Hours: Typically open daily, with extended hours for special events

Parking: Ample on-site parking, free for visitors

Accessibility: Fully accessible with ramps, elevators, and adaptive exhibits for children and adults with varying needs

Exploration Place combines education, entertainment, and interactive discovery, making it a must-visit destination for families and learners of all ages. Its focus on hands-on STEM experiences, local aviation history, and community engagement provides a rich, engaging environment that inspires curiosity, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the scientific world.