The 85th NBC World Series is coming to Wichita, Kansas, this summer. Gathering the most elite collegiate and semi-pro baseball teams, this storied tournament is a must-see for true baseball fans. Even though it’s not the MLB World Series, the grit and determination these young players show is often greater and makes for more exciting games than even the ones at the highest level. Lasting 15 days, it’s also a showcase for up-and-coming talent; baseball fans can say they “saw ’em before they were a star” and have bragging rights for the rest of their lives.
You have your tickets. You’ve picked out what teams and players you want to see. Now, you’ll want to plan the rest of your trip accordingly. There is so much to see and do in Wichita, more than most visitors think.
It’s not a boring city. You’ll experience an energetic and vibrant city where the Old West meets the tech world. Take a shopping trip or explore the thousands of restaurants and shops that this city has to offer. Here are five tips for planning your trip to Wichita.
Where to Stay
Wichita has more hotels than you can shake a stick at. Some of the best hotels are
the downtown Wichita hotels. The Hyatt Regency Wichita is the perfect hotel for you and
your family. You’ll experience first-class hospitality at this hotel. It’s located along
the Arkansas River, an idyllic setting where you and your family can hang out. Amenities include concierge service, a fitness center, golf, room service, an indoor heated pool, and an on-site restaurant.
The Hotel at Old Town is another great choice. Operating since 1906, this hotel doubles as a historic landmark. Its location in Old Town means you’re in the middle of Wichita’s most fun, quirky neighborhood. And being locally owned and operated gives everyone who stays there a personal touch. The staff provides great recommendations for food and activities, too!
What to Do
There is plenty of family-friendly fun to be had in Wichita. Most of these activities will create memories for years to come. From getting up close to wildlife to having an educational experience, you’ll start your Wichita vacation on the right foot. If you’re looking for something to do with your children, some attractions are for everyone in your age group.
One popular attraction is the Old Cowtown Museum. You and your kids experience the Old West at this historical museum as you transport back to when Wichita was a Midwestern cattle town. If your kids want to get up close and personal with animals, they’ll love the Sedgwick County Zoo and the Tanganyika Wildlife Park. For more action, you’ll want to visit All-Star Adventures and All-Star Sports, two theme parks that will keep your itinerary packed with rides, games, mini-golf, and fun for the whole family.
Where to Shop
Wichita is a great shopping destination. You’ll browse in some of the unique shops where you’ll find one-of-a-kind gifts to take home with you. You can even get your Christmas shopping done early if you’d like. Are you shopping for souvenirs or the perfect birthday gift for someone? You’ll find rare treasures and unique finds in Douglas Design District, downtown Wichita, Old Town, and many shops around the city.
What to Eat
There are currently over 1,000 restaurants in this city. Whether you love food trucks or fine dining, you’ll find a food experience that you’ll enjoy. Wichita is known for its mouth-watering steaks, international cuisine, and sweet treats. You’ll leave this city with a full stomach.
The Wicked Brew industry gives you an exclusive tour of Wichita’s breweries and coffee shops. Other notable restaurants include The Hill Bar & Grill, Harvest Kitchen/Bar in Hyatt Regency Wichita, Tin Lizard Bar & Grill, and Woodfire Grille. You can also choose to have lunch or deliver it directly to your room. All you need to do is download the Wichita 2 Go app on your mobile phone.
How to Get There
Wichita is centralized, making it easy to travel to this city by air or land. It’s also three hours away from Kansas City, two and a half hours away from Oklahoma City, and six hours away from Dallas. You’ll likely fly into the Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, the largest airport in all of Kansas.
Fortunately, traveling around Wichita is relatively simple. Downtown Wichita is just 10 minutes away from the Eisenhower National Airport and is close to area attractions. You can take a charter bus, free trolley ride, limousine or private car, public transportation, rental car, ride-sharing service, or taxi.
