Exploration Place is already one of the most popular sites for kids in Wichita. But now, it’s expanding even more. The museum held its grand opening during spring break for a new playscape, which features ten outdoor interactive exhibits.

“We themed it around Kansas, but the inspiration actually came from us traveling to the Gathering Place and to Maggie Daley Park, which is in Chicago, and seeing these amazing play areas that other communities had. We wanted to bring something that was world-class to Wichita,” Exploration Place director Victoria Mitchell explained. 

“My favorite place is probably the buffalo over there,” playscape visitor Luke Strickler said. “It’s just a lot of fun.” 

“I like the bison, too. Because at the end, you can come out of its butt,“ playscape visitor Ethan Senethiuisouk said.

The Gathering Place in Tulsa, Oklahoma was a big inspiration for the new play area, and they worked closely with Exploration Place for this project. While it is larger than the new Exploration Place playscape, Wichitans must drive over two hours to get there. 

“I feel like the Gathering Place is a lot more sandy. There’s a lot more sand and dirt, and there is a lot more, like concrete [here],” Strickler said.

Exploration Place representatives say they are proud of the hard work that was put into the playscape, and they are happy with the results.

“We worked on this project for over four years, so it’s been a lot of love, and a lot of energy, and a lot of stress put into this. But really, the best part is what’s happening today, which is everyone playing, enjoying the beautiful weather, and having a place to have community,” Mitchell said.

While it is much closer to home, the new playscape requires a ticket to access, unlike the gathering place which is free, something some people may see as a drawback.

“We actually intentionally didn’t make a separate ticket for this. Exploration Place is an all-access pass. So when you buy a ticket, which is $20 for an adult or $15 for a child, you’re getting access to everything inside, plus everything outside, including our dome theater and our live science shows,” Mitchell said.

Exploration Place hopes to double its attendance within the next twelve months. So far, the museum has received lots of love with its launch already.

“So, the last few years, Exploration Place inside has seen around 400,000 or so. But today alone, we’re at, I think, about 1700 already, and it’s only two o’clock,” Mitchell said.

“I like going on the slide. The astronaut slide is really fast and it’s my favorite now,” playscape visitor Lakynn Koerner said.

“I went down the big, big, twisty slide,” playscape visitor Charlotte Schoenhofer said.

The adventure playscape is open daily from 10am to 5pm, with extended hours on Thursdays.