What Is Exploration Place in Wichita, KS?

Exploration Place is Kansas' premier science center, located in Wichita, KS. It's a hands-on science and discovery museum built around a simple mission: inspiring a deeper interest in science and technology through creative and fun experiences for all ages. If you're deciding whether to visit, the short answer is that it works well for families with toddlers through teens, science enthusiasts, and anyone looking for an interactive museum experience rather than a traditional exhibit hall.

What You'll Find There

Exploration Place combines indoor exhibits with a large outdoor play and exploration area. Based on the center's own descriptions, the main draws include:

• Interactive science exhibits — hands-on experiences designed to engage visitors of all ages
• Adventure Playscape — six acres of outdoor space described as "climb-higher, play-bolder, stay-all-day energy," designed for explorers from toddlers to teens. The center is explicit that this is not a standard playground but a destination built for active, imaginative play
• Dome films and laser shows — large-format dome theater programming
• Live science shows — scheduled demonstrations and performances
• Graze — a food option within the Adventure Playscape serving flatbread pizzas, tots, ice cream, and fountain drinks

Who It's For

The center positions itself for a broad age range. The Adventure Playscape is explicitly designed for toddlers through teens, and the museum's stated goal is creative, fun experiences "for all." That makes it a reasonable choice for:

• Families with young children who need active, physical play
• Families with older kids and teens who want more challenging exploration
• Adults interested in science programming, dome films, or laser shows
• Groups looking for a full-day outing with food on site

Hours and Planning

Current hours listed by the center:

Note that the Adventure Playscape can be closed on specific dates — the center listed a closure on Thursday, September 24. If the Playscape is a priority for your visit, check the current schedule before you go.

Special Events

Exploration Place runs ticketed events beyond regular admission. Two examples from the center's own listings:

• Drone show (September 25–27) — 500 synchronized drones with choreographed formations set to live music, plus museum access, Adventure Playscape, and food trucks. Gates open at 6 pm; drones fly after sunset. Tickets required.
• Elemental (September 24) — a signature fundraising party in the Adventure Playscape with science programming, live music, and food and drink, benefiting the center's mission.

Membership Option

If you plan to visit more than once, the center offers a membership that includes unlimited visits, exhibits, Adventure Playscape access, dome films, laser shows, live science shows, a free guest per visit, discounts, exclusive events, early summer entry, and reciprocal admission to more than 300 science museums across the U.S. That reciprocal benefit is worth checking if you travel and visit other science centers.

Bottom Line

Exploration Place is a science center in Wichita, KS, with indoor exhibits, a large outdoor Adventure Playscape, dome theater programming, and live science shows. It suits families and science-minded visitors across a wide age range. Check current hours and any Adventure Playscape closures before your visit, and consider a membership if you'll return or want reciprocal access to other science museums.