You don't have to travel far from home to have a great vacation. If you live in Wichita, Kansas, you have plenty of amazing things to explore right in your own backyard! This year plan an entertaining staycation in Wichita by checking out some of these excellent local attractions. more Sedgwick County Zoo The Sedgwick County Zoo is a fantastic destination when you're looking for a place that can entertain the entire family during your staycation. The zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals and ranks as the top outdoor tourist attraction in Kansas. Some of the popular exhibits at the zoo include the Slawson Family Tiger Trek, which is home to Malayan and Amur tigers. The Pride of the Plains showcases lions, two meerkat exhibits, red river hogs, and African painted dogs. Other exhibits you can explore include Cessna Penguin Cove, Downing Gorilla Forest, and Children's Farms. Great Plains Nature Center If you want to head outside and learn more about the unique plants and animals that live in Kansas, plan to spend some time at the Great Plains Nature Center. The nature center sits inside Chisholm Creek Park, which is one of the largest parks in the city. Here you can traverse the 2.5 miles of paved trails that take you through native and restored prairies, woodlands, and wetlands. When you stop inside the nature center, you can check out the hands-on exhibits, view the 2,200-gallon aquarium, and head to the observatory to look out over the wetlands. Botanica, The Wichita Gardens No matter when you visit Botanica, The Wichita Gardens during your staycation, you'll always find something beautiful to see. Take a stroll through the lovely Shakespearean Garden, which blends the cottage and formal gardens that are characteristic of the Elizabethan era. Children love exploring and playing in the Downing Children's Garden, and everyone will enjoy a walk through the colorful Butterfly Garden and Butterfly House. Museum of World Treasures The Museum of World Treasures is another amazing place to visit if you're interested in learning something new during your staycation. When you walk through the doors of this world history museum, you'll feel like you're taking a walk through time. In the Sea Creatures of the Plains, you can marvel at the size of prehistoric sea creatures that once lived in the oceans that covered the Great Plains. The museum also has exhibits that will help you learn more about dinosaurs, ancient Egypt, the founding of America, the Civil War, World War I and II, and more. Sedgwick County Park Sedgwick County Park is a beautiful public green space located just outside of downtown Wichita. Here you'll find a great variety of things to do. You can ride along the bike trail or have some fun at the volleyball courts, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, and basketball courts. The park also has four lakes that are ideal for fishing. Whether you want to spend time outside or discover something new, you'll have an amazing time when you enjoy your staycation here in Wichita. Cropped image via Flickr by larabelle CC by 2.0
