Plan an Entertaining Staycation Right Here in Wichita

If you live in or plan to visit Wichita, Kansas, and are seeking an exciting adventure, you're in luck. The city is home to numerous spots that provide activities everyone in the family will enjoy. Embrace your sense of adventure with these exciting activities in Wichita. 1. Sedgwick County Zoo Go on a wilderness adventure with the family while watching and learning about animals at Sedgwick County Zoo. The zoo is home to 3,000 animals and almost 400 species from around the world. The zoo was designed to completely immerse you in the world of animals, and it includes one of the country's largest walk-through aviaries. Not only can you see the animals, but you can also interact with them. Stop by the Asian farm to feed and pet watusi cattle, karakul sheep, and Nigerian dwarf goats or the American farm to see horses, chickens, and more. You can also visit and feed giraffes and birds. The zoo plays host to special events throughout the year, including sheep shearing in the spring, Zoobilee, Breakfast with the Birds, Croctoberfest, and more. Flocktail is a social event for adults that features tasty cocktails and networking. Sedgwick County Zoo is located at 5555 West Zoo Blvd. and is open daily during summer months from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and during winter months from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 2. Great Plains Nature Center Great Plains Nature Center provides opportunities and experiences that inspire stewardship of the natural environment. Nestled in the middle of Wichita, the nature center provides a natural oasis and a break from the city. Take a stroll through the 282-acre Chisholm Creek Park to surround yourself in nature. The park has 2.5 miles of paved trails that wind through native and restored woodlands, wetlands, ponds, and prairies. Visit the Koch Habitat Hall to see exhibits that teach you about the climate of the Great Plains and its effects on regional streams and wetlands, the Riparian habitat, and more. Interactive exhibits engage the minds of both young and old. Great Plains Nature Center is located at 6232 East 29th Street North and is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free to the public. 3. Keeper of the Plains For an historic adventure, cross the bow and arrow-inspired bridge over the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas rivers to visit the Keeper of the Plains statue. The land between the rivers is sacred ground to the local Native American people and this statue pays tribute to their tribes. It was erected in 1974, stands 44-feet tall, and is made of steel. Watch the cascading stream as it flows from the Keeper of the Plains, over boulders, and into the river below. When evening falls, watch the flames burn on the “Ring of Fire”.  People of all ages will appreciate this impressive monument. Keeper of the Plains is located at 650 North Seneca and is open daily from 5 a.m. to 12 a.m. With so many fun and exciting activities in Wichita, you'll never lose your sense of adventure. Image via Flickr by P_Linehan CC by 2.0

Wichita, Kansas, is a bustling metropolis. When the weather is nice, there's much to see and do outdoors. With summer ending comes cooler weather, and that means it's time to find something fun to do inside. Here are three of the best indoor attractions in Wichita that are fun for the whole family. 1. The Alley Indoor Entertainment Center A trip to The Alley on East 13th Street North might just be the most fun you can have under one roof. Bowling is, of course, the main event with 32 lanes, eight of which are dedicated to cosmic bowling. The kids love it, and you can opt for lane bumpers so they'll score well. After you're done bowling, you can check out the arcade, which includes a variety of fun games, including Hologate, an immersive virtual reality video game. If video games aren't your thing, you might take the indoor electric go-karts for a spin. After racing the family around the track, you can unwind at AJ's Sports Grill for great food and maybe an adult beverage. As if all that wasn't enough, The Alley now offers Escapology, its newest escape room attraction. Choose from one of five hourlong, themed adventures during which you and your team try to find clues that eventually lead you out of the room. 2. Laser Quest This indoor attraction located on North Woodlawn is fun for all ages. Gear up, and climb into its multilevel arena to play laser tag with your friends and family. Machines put out swirling fog around the neon-lighted arena, while adrenaline-pumping music pipes through the sound system. Laser Quest is a great place to bring the family, the youth club, the soccer team, or anyone who wants to have fun. The facility specializes in birthday parties and team-building events, so check it out next time you're looking for indoor fun for the whole group. 3. Museum of World Treasures If you are fascinated by world history, you must visit the Museum of World Treasures. Located on East 1st Street, the Museum of World Treasures offers you a trip through time. Explore ancient Egypt and how the Egyptians lived through the artifacts and information on display. Check out the age of dinosaurs, and marvel at the skeletons and other fossils in the exhibit. War buffs will appreciate the World War II collection, and American history comes alive as you learn about past presidents, the industrial age, and more. The museum also hosts regular events such as Culture with Cocktails: Haunted Museum. Join in on a flashlight tour and a mummy hunt through the spooky Halloween-decorated museum each October. Or check out food from around the world at the museum's Culture with Cocktails: A World of Food event. When the weather cools or the rain begins to fall, don't fret. Simply gather your family and friends, and head out to one of these three great indoor attractions in Wichita. You won't be disappointed. Image via Pixabay by laterjay

Fall in Wichita means cooler temperatures, football weekends, good food, and plenty of opportunities to gather with friends and family. Whether you're heading to a high school game, college football matchup, or hosting a tailgate of your own, the right vehicle can make game day even better. From spacious SUVs to capable trucks, today's vehicles offer plenty of features that can make transporting your crew, gear, coolers, chairs, and everything else easier. Here are some of the best types of vehicles to consider for your next fall football adventure. Trucks: The Ultimate Tailgate Vehicle When it comes to tailgating, trucks are hard to beat. A pickup gives you plenty of room for the gear you don't want inside the cabin. Coolers, folding chairs, tents, grills, sports equipment, and other tailgate essentials can all ride in the bed. Models like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Ram 1500 offer the capability and space that make them excellent choices for football weekends. Plus, many modern trucks offer available features that make tailgating even easier, including power outlets, built-in storage, multiple USB ports, and versatile tailgate designs. Best for: Large tailgates, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who likes to bring everything but the kitchen sink. SUVs: Bring the Whole Crew If your football weekends usually involve family and friends, an SUV can be a great option. Vehicles like the Chevrolet Tahoe, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Mazda CX-90 provide a combination of passenger space and cargo room. Depending on the model and configuration, you can bring several passengers while still having room for coolers, blankets, chairs, and game-day gear. SUVs also offer another major advantage during Kansas fall weather: flexibility. One weekend might bring perfect football weather, while the next could bring rain, wind, or dropping temperatures. Available all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive can provide added confidence when conditions change. Best for: Families, groups of friends, and road trips to away games. Crossovers: The Perfect Balance You don't necessarily need a full-size truck or large SUV to enjoy tailgate season. A crossover such as the Mazda CX-5 or Chevrolet Equinox can give you a great combination of everyday drivability, passenger space, and cargo flexibility. Crossovers are especially appealing if your vehicle needs to handle more than football weekends. They can make the morning commute, school drop-off, grocery runs, and weekend adventures just as easily. Fold down the rear seats when you need additional cargo space, load up the cooler, grab your chairs, and you're ready for kickoff. Best for: Everyday drivers who want versatility without stepping up to a full-size SUV. What Should You Look for in a Tailgate Vehicle? Before choosing your next vehicle, think about how you actually spend your football weekends. Cargo Space How much room do you need for coolers, chairs, grills, tents, sports equipment, and other gear? Passenger Space Are you usually bringing a few friends or the entire family? Towing Capability If you plan to tow a camper, trailer, boat, or other recreational equipment, make sure the vehicle you choose has the capability you need. All-Weather Capability Kansas weather can change quickly during the fall. Available AWD or 4WD can provide additional confidence when rain, mud, or changing road conditions enter the picture. Technology Modern vehicles can make long drives and crowded game days easier with features such as smartphone connectivity, multiple charging ports, navigation, and available Wi-Fi. Comfort Football season can mean spending hours on the road. Comfortable seating and a spacious cabin can make those trips much more enjoyable. Make the Most of Fall Football The best tailgate vehicle isn't necessarily the biggest vehicle. It's the one that fits your lifestyle. Whether you need the bed of a truck, the passenger space of an SUV, the flexibility of a crossover, or the family-friendly practicality of a minivan, there's a vehicle that can help make your fall weekends easier. And when you're ready to find the right vehicle for your next football adventure, Davis-Moore Auto Group has a variety of new and pre-owned vehicles to explore. So grab your cooler, load up the crew, and get ready for kickoff. Fall football season is here!