Top 10 Things to do in East Wichita, KS

If you are looking for something fun to do this weekend while you're in Wichita, why not check out our list of 10 best places to visit below? There is something for everyone here, with plenty of delicious restaurants, museums, and family-friendly activities. Take a stroll through the Wichita Garden, and afterwards stop into Bite Me BBQ for some of the best BBQ you'll have in the area!

TOP 5 THINGS TO DO IN WICHITA

1. CHICKEN N PICKLE

The cultural zeitgeist isn’t always easy to predict. One of its more unexpected surprises is the popularization of pickleball, a tennis-like racquet game that went from relative obscurity to becoming America’s fastest growing sport. Chicken N Pickle has capitalized on pickleball’s cultural momentum by creating an expansive facility for patrons to enjoy clean eats and a game with friends. Along with multiple indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, Chicken N Pickle also offers shuffleboard, bocce ball, ping pong, and cornhole. As the name suggests, the menu is chicken-centered, serving dishes like wood fired rotisserie chicken, St. Louis-style ribs, and burgers. At Chicken N Pickle, all the fun is gathered in one place.

2. GREAT PLAINS NATURE CENTER

The Great Plains are one of America’s most cherished natural treasures, a vast expanse of prairie with tall grass, cottonwood-lined wetlands, and a deep, rich soil that’s perfect for farming. The Great Plains Nature Center is an educational institute just north of the city that was set up to honor America’s heartland. Built around a stunning natural oasis, visitors can interact with a variety of local flora and fauna, including falcons, turtles, possums, and much more. The Great Plains Nature Center gives you an opportunity to engage deeply with the natural world.

3. MUSEUM OF WORLD TREASURES

Between history, technology, paleontology, and pop culture, this world of ours is endlessly fascinating. The Museum of World Treasures explores each of these areas across three floors of exhibits featuring dinosaur fossils, ancient Egypt, Asian art, American military relics, and artifacts from American pop culture. It’s a multifaceted experience that will keep you engaged and feed your curiosity. The museum also hosts events throughout the year such as cocktails with the curators, story time, and an after-hours exploration of the museum. The Museum of World Treasures is a treasure in and of itself.

4. KANSAS AVIATION MUSEUM

Wichita is known as the “air capital of the world” because of its integral role in the early history of aviation. The thread continues to run through the present, with companies like Cessna and Bombadier stationing their manufacturing headquarters in Wichita. Set inside the former Wichita Municipal Airport terminal, the Kansas Aviation Museum honors the state’s deep connection to the industry. Through a series of indoor and outdoor exhibits, visitors will learn about aviation technology, get to know the historical giants who championed the industry, and discover an impressive collection of vintage aircraft.

5. WICHITA ART MUSEUM

WAM! The Wichita Art Museum is one of the city’s most impressive cultural hubs, a place where world-class artwork is on display and celebrated. The permanent collection features over 10,000 pieces of art, with notable names including Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Winslow Homer. First opened in 1935, the museum has enriched the city since its inception with the stated mission of being a cultural leader in the region. Visitors can take guided or self-guided tours, winding their way through a collection that highlights the unique genius of American art. The museum also hosts a series of temporary exhibitions that keep patrons coming back again and again.

TOP 5 AMAZING PLACES TO EAT IN WICHITA

Wichita is home to Wichita State University and has become a driving force in culture, community events, and entertainment. This has attracted citizens from many different cultures. As a result, the city's dining scene is an eclectic fusion of local tradition and international flavor. These five must-try restaurants define Wichita's culinary culture, from laid back bistros and cafes, to innovative food served in luxury settings.

MEDDY'S

Mediterranean food is often ranked among the healthiest cuisines in the world. That’s because a traditional mediterranean meal strikes a perfect balance between lean proteins, healthy fats, and an abundance of fresh vegetables. After owner and founder Alex Harb moved from Lebanon to Wichita for university, he decided it was time to bring Mediterranean food to Kansas. His vision resulted in Meddy’s, a fast casual Mediterranean eatery that now has five locations in Wichita. The menu blends fresh ingredients and traditional flavors to create tasty shawarmas, bowls, salads, and hummus plates. Meddy’s offers a global experience right here in Wichita.

FIORITO RISTORANTE

Speaking of the Mediterranean, how about a trip to the white sandy beaches of Italy? In East Wichita, the place to go for top notch Italian food is FioRito Ristorante. With an emphasis on local ingredients from Kansas farmers and ranchers, the menu highlights classic pasta dishes like spaghetti & meatballs, fettucine alfredo, and shrimp scampi alongside creative plates like the squid ink rigatoni and lemon ricotta ravioli. FioRito has mastered a tasteful mix of tradition and experimentation, creating a menu that is both familiar and exciting. Pro-tip: pair your meal with one of FioRito’s signature cocktails like the rum-based “Cocojito Loco” or the “Smokey Bandit,” FioRito’s take on an old fashioned.

YOKOHAMA RAMEN IZAKAYA

Yokohama Ramen Izakaya delivers on good vibes, delicious ramen, and authentic Japanese cuisine and has become one of Wichita’s most celebrated Asian eateries, with national nods from Food Network and USA Today. Chef and owner Yasunari Fukuda was born and raised in Yokohama, Japan and brought his region’s unique flavor profile to Wichita. The most popular dishes are spicy garlic miso ramen, black garlic tonkotsu ramen, shoyu ramen, and the spicy teriyaki chicken bowl. Yokohama also offers a variety of appetizers, rice bowls, and boba drinks. This is one of the most authentic Japanese menus in town.

THE BELMONT

Located just 10 minutes west of Eastgate Apartments, The Belmont is one of Wichita’s trendiest eateries, complete with a modern take on art-deco inspired décor and a menu that traverses all three major meals of the day. The dinner menu offers upscale takes on classic dishes like wagyu steak frites, chicken parmesan, and red snapper. The lunch menu gathers fresh sandwiches like chicken salad, ham n’ cheese, and the steak melt. As one of east Wichita’s go-to brunch spots, The Belmont is known for its delicious Dutch baby pancake, sourdough French toast, and brekky tacos. The cherry on top is their signature cocktail menu which has won multiple local awards.

GEORGES FRENCH BISTRO

Walking into Georges French Bistro is like stepping off the streets of Paris and into are warm and welcoming scene filled with rich aromas and lively conversation. You may even be convinced that you’ve somehow left Wichita and landed in France. The menu is filled with fantastic renditions of classics like escargot, French onion soup, chicken paillard, steak frites, and savory crepes. Of course, save room for dessert! Georges French Bistro serves crème brûlée, eclairs, and a delectable chocolate mousse cake. This is your source for authentic French cuisine in Wichita.