When the temperature in Kansas turns frosty, the Heart of the Country does not hibernate. Wichita – the state’s largest city – shines bright all winter long. From live entertainment to modern indoor attractions, the city offers a blend of warmth and wonder. January visitors also have the chance to celebrate Kansas Day on January 29, the anniversary of Kansas’s admission to the Union. Kansas schoolchildren have marked the day for over a century, and Wichita offers countless ways to honor the state’s history while staying entertained.

Celebrate Kansas Day in Wichita

Use this occasion to explore Wichita’s historic and cultural attractions and get a deeper feel for the Sunflower State. From aviation milestones to stories of resilience and creativity, these sites make Kansas history feel alive.

Wichita Art Museum

Kansas Aviation Museum – Housed in Wichita’s original 1930s municipal airport terminal, this museum tells the story of Kansas’ outsized role in flight. Explore beautifully restored aircraft, hands-on exhibits, and the legacy of Wichita’s status as “The Air Capital of the World.”

KKansas Aviation Museum

Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum – Step inside this grand downtown landmark to trace Wichita’s journey from frontier trading post to Kansas’ largest city.

The Kansas African American Museum – Located in the historic Calvary Baptist Church, this museum preserves and celebrates African American history in Kansas. Expect powerful stories, rotating art and cultural exhibits and a meaningful look at the people and movements that shaped the state.

B-29 Doc Hangar & Education Center – Home to one of only two airworthy B-29 Superfortress aircraft, the hangar welcomes visitors on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. See “Doc” up close, learn about Wichita’s WWII manufacturing impact and appreciate just how central Kansas was to the nation’s aviation history. It is recommended to check the center’s schedule to see if Doc is in the hangar prior to your visit.

Frank Lloyd Wright Allen House – This Prairie-style masterpiece is a Kansas architectural gem. Guided visits reveal Wright’s design philosophy, the Allen family story and the craftsmanship that makes this house a must-see for history and design lovers.

The Original Pizza Hut Museum – Kansas Day can totally include comfort food history. Visit the original Pizza Hut, which is now located on the Wichita State University campus. Step inside the building where two WSU students launched what became a global brand. It’s quirky and very Kansas.

Original Pizza Hut Museum

Wichita Art Museum – Celebrate Kansas creativity with a visit to one of the state’s flagship art museums. Alongside an impressive American art collection, you’ll find strong regional representation and rotating exhibitions that connect Kansas artists to the broader national story.

Wichita Art Museum

Wichita Baseball Museum – Wichita has a rich baseball tradition, from minor league legends to hometown heroes. This small but mighty museum shares the city’s deep ties to America’s pastime, making it a fun Kansas Day stop for sports fans and history buffs alike. It is recommended to call in advance to confirm visiting hours.

Old Cowtown Museum – While the living-history streets are best experienced in warmer months, winter is a great time to plan a spring return. Kansas Day is the perfect excuse to preview the site, learn about Wichita’s 1870s roots, and add Cowtown to your next-season itinerary.

Looking for more museums? The Museum of World Treasures boasts dinosaur skeletons, Egyptian mummies and Civil War artifacts, while the Great Plains Transportation Museum showcases historic railroading in Kansas.

After a few museum hops, stroll through Wichita’s distinct districts to see murals and public art honoring Kansas heritage, or simply settle into a cozy café with locally roasted coffee while reflecting on the state’s 165 years of history. Being in the largest city offers plenty of chances to catch special exhibits, family activities or community programs that commemorate Kansas Day in ways both meaningful and fun.

Warm up with indoor fun

Wichita’s abundance of indoor attractions ensures that frigid days never feel dull. Here are a few standouts:

• Blast Off Bay – The region’s largest indoor waterpark, with a sci‑fi theme, features water slides, a surf machine, a lazy river, and a swim‑up bar. It’s great for families seeking a tropical escape without leaving Kansas.
• Exploration Place – Kansas’ premier science and discovery center along the Arkansas River, packed with hands-on exhibits for all ages. Catch daily science shows and explore the state’s largest dome theater for immersive films.
• Dave & Buster’s – A state‑of‑the‑art entertainment center with over 200 arcade games, plus a full menu, open seven days a week.
   

Exploration Place

​Active escapes and hands‑on experiences

One of Wichita’s favorite winter experiences takes place at a popular pickleball facility and entertainment venue. Running through Feb. 6, Chicken N Pickle transforms its outdoor space into an ice rink each year. There is an on‑site waiver to sign before hitting the ice. The rink operates daily, weather permitting, creating a festive way to enjoy Kansas’ crisp winter air.
 

Chicken N Pickle Ice Skating
 

Topgolf Wichita offers climate‑controlled hitting bays, while Axe to Grind brings out the competitive spirit. Wichita Ice Center offers figure‑skating lessons, hockey leagues, and open skate sessions.

GROW Plant Bar and Let’s Go Build provide creative outlets, from building terrariums to constructing LEGO masterpieces.

With 38‑foot climbing walls, auto‑belay systems, and a bouldering area, Bliss Climbing & Fitness Complex offers adventure indoors and caters to all skill levels.

Bliss Climbing & Fitness
 

Wichita proves that winter travel need not be dreary. Add in the chance to celebrate Kansas Day, and you’ve got every reason to plan a mid‑winter getaway to Wichita. Bundle up, check out Visit Wichita’s Fall/Winter Visitors Guide for more inspiration, pack your sense of adventure, and discover why the Heart of the Country beats bright even when the temperatures fall.

Visit Wichita