By Anna Corbett, Opinion Editor
Spring break starts next week, and for those who are staying in town instead of going home or who are just looking for a fun activity to spice up their week, this list might have the answers,
As a Wichita native, I am very familiar with the many fun and cheap things there are to do in Wichita. If you find yourself looking for some local entertainment, try out one of these ideas:
Wichita Art Museum, 1400 Museum Blvd.
The Wichita Art Museum is what I like to call a hidden gem of Wichita. Although it is very close to many other attractions, such as Botanica and Old Cowtown Museum, it doesn't get the love it deserves.
The museum offers group tours and many family events, and on Friday evenings, it hosts WAM Nights, which showcases different artists of a multitude of genres and runs into the late evening. The museum’s regular collection also boasts more than 10,000 pieces of art from a multitude of artists, so there is something for everyone.
One of my favorite pieces, made in 2003, is “Confetti Chandelier” by Dale Chihuly. The giant blown-glass piece, which hangs on the second floor of the museum outside the gift shop, has been a staple piece of the permanent collection.
The museum’s newest exhibit is “THE BEAST, or Self Portrait” by Vanessa German. She is a self-taught artist who uses many different types of glass and wood to create pieces with deep personal meaning, and it’s very moving.
Along with having beautiful and fresh exhibits, the museum also offers fun events every week that are free to the public. One, called WAM Nights, happens Friday evenings, when the museum stays open until 9 p.m. and typically features artists, musicians or performers.
General admission is free at the museum, including for WAM Nights. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays and until 9 p.m. on Fridays.
Hiking
Wichita has plenty of land, so it also has many trails to walk or hike, and with all of this nice weather, it is a great time to take in picturesque views and lively woodland creatures. Here are some of the most well-known hiking trails that are closest to Newman:
- Pawnee Prairie Park/Prairie Sunset trail, 2625 S. Tyler, 4 a.m. to midnight daily
- Redbud Trail, 702 N. Hydraulic to US-400, Open year round with no specific hours listed
- Great Plains Nature Center, 6232 E. 29th St. North: Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. Closed Sundays.
- Sedgwick County Park, 6501 W. 21st St., open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sedgwick County Zoo, 5555 W. Zoo Blvd.
For many from Wichita, the zoo was a place where we went on the weekends with our family memberships. Some might see it as an everyday mundane attraction, but we fail to realize that many people travel to visit our zoo.
Sedgwick County Zoo is a non-profit organization that has been credited for its efforts in preserving many species. Founded in 1971, it has been a staple piece of many childhoods. Its animals are separated based on country of origin, which makes for an organized and calming experience.
Some of the many offerings at the zoo are giraffe and stingray feedings, petting zoos and many interactive learning exhibits happening at almost all hours of the day.
General admission tickets typically cost $20. The zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Sandbox, 2412 N. Rock Road, Derby and 130 Goddard Road, Goddard
Sandbox is one of the newer attractions on this list, but it offers many activities for those looking for more intense activity.
Sandbox is known for its pickleball and sand volleyball courts connected to its restaurant and bar. It has multiple courts that can be reserved and offers daily specials in the restaurant. Admission prices vary for the courts, and the restaurant's average meal is $10-$20 a person.
Hours are 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m.-midnight. Fridays and Saturdays, and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sundays. The kitchen is open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Sundays.
Entrap Games, 443 N. Mosley
Entrap Games is an escape room that has been in Wichita since 2016. It has four rooms that range in difficulty and allow for multiple people per group. It’s an experience that will keep your mind fresh and ready for the weeks following the break.
Having tried out two of the rooms at this location, I can safely say this is one of the best escape rooms in Wichita. With elaborate riddles and difficult puzzles to truly challenge the mind while having fun with friends, Entrap does a great job of creating a safe and enjoyable environment.
Entrap costs about $23 a person and is open 5:15 p.m.-8:45 pm Wednesdays and Thursdays, 12:30-10:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 12:30 p.m.- 6 p.m. Sundays. It’s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
PHOTO: Courtesy, Sedgwick County Zoo
